Common Questions About Black Oxiding

At Du-Lite, our goal is to make the black oxiding process as easy as possible for each and every one of our clients. We’ve been in business since 1939 and in that time we’ve come to be the most trusted name in the industry. 

Needless to say, we field quite a few questions about how to get the best results with our products. That’s why in today’s post, we’d like to cover a few of our most frequently asked questions about black oxide chemicals, operating instructions, and more. Of course, you should also know that we’re available to answer any additional questions you may have, so feel free to contact us at any time.

“What’s the best way to maintain proper boiling temperature while black oxiding?”

Our best advice is to keep your tank at 285ºF by checking the temperature regularly and adding salts to raise the temperature if need be. To lower the temperature, simply add a small amount of cold water.

“How long do my parts need to stay in a black oxide tank?”

It depends on your exact situation, but generally speaking, 15 minutes to half an hour is the ideal time to get great color and resistance to corrosion.

“How long does the average black oxide bath last?”

It depends on a number of different factors, but the average time for a black oxide bath to last is between 1 year and 5 years. Restore the salts in your bath by adding fresh salts on a daily basis for the best results.

“Is it okay to leave a handheld thermometer in the black oxide tank to check the temp?”

Our advice is to check the temperature, then remove your thermometer. Rinse the stem off with cold water for the best results.

“What should I wear to protect myself while working?”

We recommend always wearing long sleeves and coveralls when you’re using a black oxide tank. You should also make eye protection and plating gloves a part of your routine. If you get black oxide solution on your skin, rinse it immediately with clean water (cold water is best), pour on white vinegar, and then rinse it off again.

Do You Have More Questions?

These are some of the most common questions we get, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. Feel free to head over to our FAQ page to learn more. And, of course, as we mentioned above, you can contact us at any time with any questions you have. At Du-Lite, our goal is to be the go-to name for metal finishing products. 

With thousands of satisfied customers all across the world, we’re proud to be the leading supplier of black oxide, manganese phosphate, Kwikseal firearm lubricant, and more. Our satisfied customers include KEL-TEC, Ruger, Kimber, Caspian Arms, T/C, and many others, so no matter your needs, we’d love to help. Take a look around our website to explore our products and place your order today! We think you’ll be thrilled with the results.