Electroplating is the process of using an electrical direct current to coat an electrically conductive object with a thin layer of metal. EPi offers a variety of high-quality electroplating processes that are ideal for all types of metal finishers. Learn More
Black oxide finishes offer dimensional stability, eye-appealing appearances, retention of surface properties, and corrosion resistance when sealed with an oil, wax, or lacquer. Learn More
Antiquing, oxidizing, and patining are processes that chemically "age" or "weather" metal, resulting in a variety of colors, finishes, and effects. Learn More
Every year, rust costs metal-finishers millions of dollars. Water-displacing oils, water-soluble oils, waxes, lacquers, and temporary rust inhibitors can enhance the quality of a metal finish or protect bare steel parts. Rust preventatives offer stain, humidity, and salt spray resistance. Learn More
All metals need to be cleaned prior to electroplating, blackening, or finishing. Metalworking fluids and carbonaceous smut need to be removed in a soak, spray, electroclean, or ultrasonic cleaning. A properly cleaned part will have excellent adhesion and be brighter, blacker, and smut-free. Learn More
EPi offers high-quality chromates and passivates for a variety of metals. Pass salt spray tests with aesthetically pleasing parts that have superior white/red corrosion resistance. Learn More
Dry-powdered and liquid acid salts are specifically formulated for removing rust, scale oxides, stains, and smut from a variety of metal surfaces. Acid salts are also used to activate metal surfaces for further finishing. Learn More
EPi's series of stabilized peroxide bright-dip processes prevent re-tarnishing of brass, leaded brass, and copper after brightening. Chemically polish stainless steel alloys that contain nickel with a formula containing a blend of mineral acids. Learn More
E-Preps are used for one of the most critical steps in the finishing process: preparing your metal parts for successful plating or blackening applications. Learn More
Insta-Blak 333 GEL is a slower-acting blackening process for steel and ferrous metals. This gel-based solution is ideal for simple swab-on vertical applications, touchups, and the user who prefers a slower blackening reaction. One gallon of un-diluted Insta-Blak 333 GEL can coat up to 100 sq. ft. of steel parts.
Samples available to purchase - CALL #262-786-9330.
PLEASE NOTE: Orders ship within 3 business days.
How to Use Insta-Blak 333 GEL
Insta-Blak 333 GEL is a no-run, no-drip black finish designed for vertical applications, steel panels, and quick touchups. It's ideal for users who desire a slower chemical reaction.
Use Insta-Blak 333 GEL to:
Coat metal items and vertical surfaces with a black finish
Achieve a smooth finish with no drips or runs
Blacken architectural surfaces such as steps, framing, and railings
Touch up scratches or imperfections
Finish furniture, metal artwork, or sculptures
Blacken re-machined black oxide surfaces
Retain an item's original structure and dimensions
Meet AMS 2484A requirements
Blacken steel and ferrous metals
Getting Started
EPi offers starter kits for touch-ups, small projects, and first-time users. Learn more about what's included in the trial kit.
For the longest-lasting, deepest, and cleanest black finishes, we recommend the following blackening process. Please read all safety data sheets and technical data sheets prior to beginning a project.
1. Clean
Soils such as cutting oils, coolants, lubricants, and rust inhibitors must be removed from the metal workpiece. Soils can inhibit the blackening process and negatively affect coating adhesion and appearance. Clean the parts prior to beginning the blackening process.
Recommended Cleaning Products:
E-Kleen 163 is a liquid-based neutral soak cleaner that works at room temperature. It takes 1–3 minutes to reach its full effect.
2. Rinse
After cleaning the metal parts, rinse them in cold, overflowing tap water; it’s necessary to rinse the parts to remove residual cleaning solution. However, thicker or heavier parts may chill the blackening solution in step three. In these cases, use a hot-water rinse so that the parts can be preheated. Parts carrying over un-rinsed film of alkaline cleaning solution would quickly contaminate the subsequent chemicals in use, resulting in a spotty or non-adherent black finish.
Immerse the parts to be blackened for 30–60 seconds.
3. Blacken
Apply Insta-Blak 333 GEL at full strength with a cotton swab, sponge, or brush. Use a generous amount, ensuring the item is smoothly and evenly coated. Continue rubbing the blackening solution on the item for 1–3 minutes. The longer the metal part is in contact with the Insta-Blak 333 GEL solution, the deeper the black finish will be.
If Insta-Blak 333 GEL isn't quite what you’re looking for, consider these similar products:
Insta-Blak 333 is a liquid immersion blackening solution that results in a smooth, no-smut satin black finish on tools and architectural surfaces. It's designed to make in-house blackening simpler, faster, and more effective.
Insta-Blak S-334 is recommended for touchups on scratched or damaged black oxide finishes. It produces a rich black color and maintains an item's structure and dimensions.
4. Rinse
Rinse in cold, overflowing tap water for 30–60 seconds to remove residual blackening solution and ensure sealant will not be contaminated.
5. Seal
Seal the black-oxide finish by immersing the parts for one minute in a compatible E-Tec water-displacing solution. The E-Tec corrosion inhibitors are formulated to rapidly displace the residual acidic solution from the preceding rinse and produce long-term corrosion protection. As the E-Tec is absorbed, it enhances the depth of black, which may take several hours.
See the rust preventative comparison chart in the technical data sheetto find the best E-Tec solution for your needs.
Recommended Sealing Products:
E-Tec 505+ is a long-lasting dry, soft-film lubricant and rust/corrosion inhibitor that's specifically formulated for hot black oxide lines.
Recommended Products
Interested in Insta-Blak 333 GEL? Consider these complementary products: