When planning, designing and executing high-quality projects in architecture and product design, the choice of an ever-increasing number of decision-makers falls on stainless steel as a material.
With competitive price and timely delivery, KLS sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Stainless steel is an outstanding and excellent material due to its many advantages, its high functionality and long service life, its versatility and its unique visual and haptic appearance.
However, choosing stainless steel in no way means committing to just a grey, silver finish. There are a number of options and methods for adding colour to the material. We would like to introduce you to the possibilities of “colouring stainless steel” and “blackening stainless steel” here.
We are often asked questions such as “Are there options for colouring stainless steel similar to anodised aluminium?”, “Can stainless steel be coloured?”, “Can stainless steel be blackened?” or “How do colour stainless steel?”.
Other metals such as aluminium can be anodised, brass burnished, titanium anodised and black steel painted or powder coated. The latter two processes are in principle also possible with stainless steel, but they take away its visual liveliness and attractiveness. Therefore, an alternative method has to be found to solve the task of colouring the stainless steel.
mirrorINOX offers the customer, who has decided in favour of stainless steel and wants a coloured surface for his application, ideal solutions for stainless steel colouring from our own production, which meet the highest demands in terms of both function and appearance.
We would like to explain the following chemical and physical colouring or colour coating processes in more detail:
This chemical galvanic process, also known as the “INCO” process or the Polispectral and ColourTex process, uses sulphuric or chromic acids. Due to its poor environmental compatibility, it is no longer permitted in the EU and is only tolerated for a limited period with exceptional approval. In addition, colour variations, light-dark differences or even different, undesirable colours within individual sheets and within individual batches can occur in stainless steels whose surfaces have been coloured using this process in shades such as Charcoal, Bronze, Black, Rosy Gold, Cobalt Blue, Blu, Bronzo, Grigio, Nero, Oro, Rosso, Verde and Viola. Cases have also been reported where the colouring was not permanent, “washed out” or faded.
For these reasons, galvanic colouring of stainless steel is not a method mirrorINOX applies.
Taking into account sustainability, colour uniformity and reproducibility, functionality, visual quality and versatility, we at mirrorINOX have included and further developed the following physical processes of stainless steel colouring in our manufacturing programme:
In contrast to alternative coatings such as galvanic processes, PVD/TiN coating does not use any toxic or environmentally harmful substances.
PVD/TiN coating of large surfaces (sheets) is carried out with the aid of ARC evaporation, in which the “target material”, which is present in the form of a solid, is made to evaporate by means of an electric arc so that it can later be applied to a workpiece.
For the PVD/TiN coating of construction and other small parts mirrorINOX has a further, separate coating line, which was also specially designed and constructed for this purpose.
The modern, state-of-the-art technology of PVD/TiN coating enables stainless steel surfaces to be coloured with a controlled, raw-material-independent and always very precisely reproducible, colour-uniform process.
Additionally, the highly thin layers achieved are extremely natural metallic and lively in their appearance, which distinguishes them seriously from alternatives such as wet painting, powder coating or similar.
For more information on these stainless steel colouring processes, please see our offers for PVD coating and stainless steel surface treatment.
mirrorINOX applies the nanoINOX® AFP/ETC coating, which is based on the latest SolGel technology and is usually between 2 and 5 my thick, to the surfaces consisting mainly of stainless steel sheets with the aid of a multi-head atomiser. Afterwards, the transparent coating or the coating enriched with coloured pigments is heated up to 250°C in a continuous flow heater and baked on.
It is thus possible to produce an enormous range of colours, surface finishes or designs. Specific properties such as colour, hardness, temperature stability, corrosion and chemical resistance, transparency and flexibility (formability) can also be controlled in the layers by incorporating a wide variety of elements.
In addition to the variety of visual and designing possibilities, sol-gel coatings also produce other properties such as Easy-To-Clean (ETC), AntiFingerPrint (AFP) and a lotus effect.
They can be used both indoors and outdoors, they protect against pollutions and dirt such as fingerprints, graffiti and many more. This saves cleaning and maintenance costs. The coatings are also extremely robust against weathering.
The company is the world’s best how to color stainless steel supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Additional, technical functions of the coating, such as antibacterial or electrically insulating properties, are also possible.
You can find more information on these processes with regard to stainless steel colouring on our specialist pages on nanoINOX® and stainless steel surface treatment. We will explain both processes in more detail in the next paragraph.
With both processes carried out by mirrorINOX, the PVD/TiN coating process and the nanoINOX® AFP/ETC coating process, the most diverse surfaces of the stainless steel grades/alloys 1., 1., 1./1., 1. and even 1. and 1. can be coloured. With the nanoINOX® AFP/ETC coating process, even metals such as aluminium and others can be colour coated.
The advantageous properties of the PVD/TiN coating process in keywords:
The metallic and visually extremely attractive shades of the PVD/TiN coating process range from Champagne-TiN, Gold-TiN and Brass-TiN to Rose Gold-TiN and Bronze-TiN to Anthracite-TiN and Black-TiN. Combined with a wide variety of base surfaces, they give the stainless steel surfaces an exclusive appearance and create brilliant application examples in architecture and product design, both indoors and outdoors.
The advantageous properties of the nanoINOX® AFP/ETC coating process in keywords:
The nanoINOX® AFP/ETC coating process already offers an almost unlimited number of different colours, shades and finishes (e.g. matt or glossy). mirrorINOX is constantly developing new variants and nuances and expanding the spectrum. Depending on the order volume, special colours are also created exclusively according to customers’ specifications. Here is an excerpt of the different possibilities:
We are often asked whether stainless steel can be blackened in the same way as brass.
Black stainless steel or blackening stainless steel is possible at mirrorINOX with the PVD/TiN coating process as well as with the nanoINOX® AFP/ETC coating process completely without the use of environmentally harmful galvanic substances such as pickling or similar.
The experts at mirrorINOX can blacken stainless steel in the colours dark grey, anthracite and black to deep black.
Black stainless steel can thus be produced for sheet metal as well as for structural and small parts and accessories made of stainless steel.
Particularly with the nanoINOX® AFP/ETC coating process, it is possible to colour stainless steel black in deep black (matt and glossy) shades due to the thickness of the layers and the process technology.
Whether it’s stainless steel colouring, grinding, polishing, mirror polishing, shot blasting, pattern rolling or coating: When it comes to surface treatments of stainless steel and other metals, you’ll find mirrorINOX to be the ideal partner. This is where our core competence and passion lie.
Expert advice and professional execution are the guarantee for a result that will also satisfy you.
Join this webinar on Lockers Manufacturing's dedication to reshoring and U.S.-based production. In partnership with Hubbard-Hall — a 176-year-old, woman-owned chemical manufacturer — and distribution partner PSI, Lockers Manufacturing will share how a collaborative supply chain built on innovation, sustainability and resilience is making U.S. manufacturing stronger. Lockers Manufacturing stands out with domestically produced lockers, using U.S.-sourced materials for superior craftsmanship and a more responsive supply chain. Hubbard-Hall and PSI bring deep technical expertise and tankside support to help manufacturers like Lockers stay competitive, compliant and customer-focused. Discover how reshoring, high-quality materials and local partnerships are reshaping the future of American manufacturing. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from industry leaders working together to build a stronger, smarter supply chain. Agenda: How reshoring and U.S.-based production create a more agile, reliable supply chain The impact of innovation and sustainability on the growth of small, family-owned manufacturers Why quality materials and a customer-first approach are key to long-term success in American manufacturing
This webinar features Molly Kellogg — president, CEO and chairman of Hubbard-Hall — as she shares insights on the company’s remarkable 175-year journey and its continued evolution in the surface finishing industry. In a world of mergers, acquisitions and rapid change, Hubbard-Hall has remained a steadfast partner standing the test of time by building on family legacy and values. Molly, the sixth generation of family leadership, will discuss the company's rich history, from its humble beginnings as a corner drugstore to becoming a global manufacturer of specialty chemistry serving industries from Michigan to Malaysia. Discover how Hubbard-Hall’s "whatever it takes" approach — along with its extensive testing labs, production facilities and distribution centers — continues to provide customers with tank side problem-solving expertise. In this session, we’ll explore Hubbard-Hall's future, with Molly sharing her vision for carrying the company's legacy forward, the new initiatives on the horizon and how Hubbard-Hall remains committed to its mission of providing expert support with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Molly Kellogg, a leader driven by passion, tradition and a deep connection to the people who make it all possible.
This year, the Michigan and Chicago Midwest Chapters are thrilled to partner to bring you a seminar experience like never before - bigger, better, and more enriching! AGENDA Thursday, 7/24: Arrival and evening welcome reception - Cocktails by the Bay (7 - 10pm) Friday, 7/25 Breakfast (8am) Seminar (9 - 4pm) "Maximizing 'H' in HR: Strategies for a Thriving, Engaged Workplace" featuring our keynote speaker, Ben Whiting - “Better Results, Better Relationships, Limitless Possibilities” . Other speakers include: “Improving Employee Retention: Tips for Maximizing Engagement with a Manufacturing Workforce” - Mike Dergis, Sigred Group "Raising the Bar: Going Beyond Legal Compliance in Your Workplace" - Rebecca Davies, Butzel Long "Regulatory Update" - Christian Richter & Jeff Hannapel, The Policy Group "Empowering Your Workforce: NASF Training and Education Tools" - Vincent Noonan, NASF Foundation President Cocktail Reception (6pm) Dinner (7pm) Saturday, 7/26: Enjoy a round of golf at one of 2 championship courses, join us for a delightful winery tour, or create your own adventure!
Register now for the Spanish Chapter's CCAI webinar featuring Marco Sanchez from Axalta Coating Systems. The presenter will discuss the basic principles of quality control for the tests conducted for powder coating release. The following methods will be reviewed: Gloss Measurement, Impact Test, Flexibility, Color Measurement, Solvent Resistance, Pencil Hardness as well as Salt Spray tests, Adhesion, Rust, Blistering, and Corrosion Progression. The session will also provide steps to ensure that ASTM standards are effectively met. The presentation will be completely in Spanish and is open to anyone wanting to attend. Registration is required. Help support this new chapter by attending. For more information or to become a member, please contact Chapter President Pedro Castillo at . Asista al seminario web del capítulo español de CCAI con Marco Sánchez de Axalta Coating Systems. El presentador discutirá los principios básicos del control de calidad para las pruebas realizadas para la liberación de recubrimientos en polvo. Se revisarán los siguientes métodos: Medición de Brillo, Prueba de Impacto, Flexibilidad, Medición de Color, Resistencia a Disolventes, Dureza de Lápiz, así como las pruebas de Cámara Salina, Adhesión, Óxido, Ampollamiento y Avance de la Corrosión. La sesión también proporcionará los pasos para asegurar que se cumplan de manera efectiva los estándares ASTM. La presentación será completamente en español y está abierta a cualquier persona que desee asistir. Se requiere registro. Ayude a apoyar este nuevo capítulo asistiendo. Si necesita información adicional o desea convertirse en miembro, comuníquese con el presidente del capítulo – Pedro Castillo en .
Contests and Perks: There will be four contests and associated prizes for longest drive on the eleventh hole, longest putt on the first hole, closest to the pin on the fifteenth hole, and closest to the line on the third hole. Hole number six will have a golf ball launcher that sponsors have provided at no cost. Majestic Oaks employees will be present to facilitate these contests and features. Tournament Format: The format will be a four-man scramble. In a four-man scramble, each teams’ players tee off as usual, then the team members choose the best of the four shots for the next shot. All team members play their second shot from there, and again choose the best shot to play from. Play continues in this manner until the hole is completed. The team then records its score and maintains that format for all 18 holes. The highest allowed stroke count would be a double bogey. After the double bogey stroke, the team is expected to pick up their balls and record the score. Reporting Scores: Each team is responsible for tracking and reporting their scores during the tournament. Scores are reported using the Golf Genius app, which is available on most major app marketplaces at no cost. Event registration details may be found at the registration table. Beverages: Each golfer will be issued two drink tickets. Additional beverages are available for purchase. The drink tickets may be used at the Bloody Mary bar, Oasis Bar, drink carts on the course, and the bar in the banquet hall. Tickets may not be used at The Oaks Bar. The keg of beer is self-serve, first-come-first-served and tickets are not required. Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00 pm and will be hosted in The Fireside Room. There are not assigned seats. Guests who are only signed up for dinner must check in before taking a seat. Raffle: Raffle tickets will be available for purchase until dinner begins and is open to all guests. Tickets may be purchased for $2 each or 10 for $15.
Are you interested in learning more about clad metals? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!