BLACK OXIDE FINISH

History & What Is It?

The purpose of Blacking is simply to add a dark finish to the surface of metal. It uses a chemical solution that forces a reaction on the surface, rather than plating or coating that adds a thicker layer to the base material. The appearance after "Black Oxide" is generally dark bluish-black, or black. It can be glossy or matte, depending on the post conversion treatment. Man-kind has been "blueing/blacking" barrels for centuries. In that time, it has come a long way, and even now is very much the same. The process we use is time-honored and has been done since the 1900's and became commercially prevalent in the 1930's and used to this day!

Advantages

Black Oxide offers several key advantages for precision barrel applications:

• Cost - It is common to use this method to save cost and provide an exceptional desired effect. Cerakote and powder coating are other methods, but add to the price.

• Dimensions - Black oxide is an exceptional choice for tight tolerance. Since the oxide does not add to the thickness on the surface, it is an excellent choice for your precision needs.

• Appearance - Black Oxide provides a desired dark, low-reflectivity look. However, Black oxide is not always perfectly uniform in the appearance, that Cerakote or Powder coats will provide.

• Lubricity - Black Oxide is very porous, and it holds onto the after-finish sealant. This gives it extra lubricity than other finishes.

• Decreased Hydrogen Embrittlement - Some chemicals cause a breakdown of the metal during treatment, and hydrogen embrittlement can be a serious problem. Black Oxide does not have this issue.

Disadvantages

While Black Oxide is an excellent finish, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Rust - It is a common tale that Black Oxide offers poor rust resistance. As far as finishes go, in some instances black oxide can be a poor option to prevent corrosion. However, Black Hole Weaponry barrels are made from Boss 416R Stainless Steel. Properly maintained platforms will not suffer from corrosion.

• Durability - We strive to maintain quality and we work hard to apply the time-honored process of "Blacking". As mentioned above the finish may not always be perfectly uniform, and slight optical differences may be visible.

Black Hole Weaponry Offers Black Oxide Finish

When custom ordering your barrel(s), add the "BLACKING OPTION" for +$30.00. This premium finish is perfect for those who demand precision and a classic, professional appearance.