Black Phosphate finish

[Richard S.]

I am looking for a kit or material to rework hardware on my car that originally had a black phosphate finish. I have been purchasing this hardware many time over the years to keep the hardware looking new. I would like to do this process myself. Any information is appreciated.

[Alan S.]

Re: Black Phosphate finish

Hi Richard,
I can answer for dark gray but not black phosphate.
I've been doing both light gray (zinc) and dark gray (manganese) phosphating (parkerizing) with supplies I buy from Owens Group dba Palmetto Enterprises.
The process involves heating a bath consisting of the phosphating liquid and water in a glass or stainless steel container to about 200 degrees, (I use a hot plate), and immersing the part in the bath.
The part you want to plate must be scrupulously clean and grease free for best results.
After the part is phosphated it is rinsed, dried, and coated with some sort of oil based protectant.
For 'black' finished fasteners I use black oxide dip. This process you can do at home too.
Here's a couple of pictures.
Regards,
Alan







Here you can see a black oxide bolt and washer next to a manganese phosphate retainer.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Black Phosphate finish

My take on it is that black phosphate is actually very dark gray phosphate. I find it depends on the composition of the base metal, the preparation, and other factors. Using manganese phosphate I just redid a few items for a fellow member, and they came out looking very dark if not black.

Only once did I have to use a bit of magic to make a part darker, and I suspect it was due to the metal composition.

I had previously used the Palmetto Enterprises solution, and moved to using Shooter's Solutions as Palmetto had seemingly gone out of business.

Patrick

[Bill L.]

Re: Black Phosphate finish

You might try the Eastwood metal blackening kit----

I have used them off an on over the years with varying degrees of success ---- sometimes good sometimes not so good ---- key word is "varying"!!

Here is a link to their demonstration video ----

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2g0lj_qGII

Regards
Bill

[Richard S.]

Re: Black Phosphate finish

Thank you
Rich