Black AL is a concentrated liquid for producing antique color tones on Aluminum at room temperature.  Black AL is used primarily for decorative purposes to produce a black-brown and black antique color finish.

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Preparation:

Parts must be free of grease, alkalinity or acid when Black AL is applied. Parts must be thoroughly cleaned and deoxidized prior to blackening. Cleaner 104 is recommended for removing heavy oils and oxidation. Do not use petroleum degreasing solvents that leave a residue on the surface. Rinse thoroughly with over flowing cold water to remove residual cleaners and dust. It is important that alkaline cleaners are completely rinsed off prior to blackening.

 

IMPORTANT: Triple- S does NOT recommend using any sort of alcohol, solvent, acid or degreaser to clean parts prior to solution application. Cleaner 104 is a great cleaner to ready parts for Black AL or even a powdered cleaner like Ajax or Comet are recommended. Use with a scotch brite pad and medium scrubbing to prepare the part then thoroughly rinse with fresh water. 

 

Application:

Black AL is a concentrate and should be diluted with water: 1 part Black AL : 1 part water. A uniform black finish will develop in a period of 10 to 60 seconds. The immersion time can be shortened or lengthened depending on the dilution rate of the solution. Black AL is often too concentrated to use as is and can rust pieces immediately; dilution is necessary.  

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Once the color you seek has developed, you can halt the process by dipping the piece in water.  Neutralize the piece with a water & baking soda mixture and then seal if so desired. Pat dry and make certain piece is fully dry if sealing. Sometimes a heat source is recommended. 

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More comprehensive instructions can be found on the Data Sheet (printable version available above the image to the right.)