Specification
- Thickness: 0.3-6mm
- Width: 600-1500mm
- Surface: 2B surface, BA surface, No.4 surface, HL surface
- Grade: 304, 316, 430, 410, 420, 2205
What is Color Stainless Steel
Color stainless steel is through the chemical or electrochemical treatment on the surface of stainless steel, the formation of a layer of oxide film, thus showing a variety of colors of the material. Common colors include gold, blue, green, purple, etc., because of its high strength, beauty, modernity, corrosion resistance, easy to clean, etc. It is a high-end material for interior decoration, equipment production and architectural applications.
Color Stainless Steel Production Process
Colored stainless steel is through the surface treatment technology in the stainless steel surface to form a colored oxide film or coating, so that it maintains the original corrosion resistance and strength of stainless steel at the same time, with a variety of decorative effects.
Chemical Coloring Method (Chemical Coloring)
Principle: through the chemical solution (such as chromic acid, sulfuric acid) and stainless steel surface reaction, to generate different thickness of the oxide film, the use of light interference effect presents color.
Color range: bronze, blue, gold, purple, green, etc. (the color changes with the thickness of the oxide film).
Cost: the darker the color, the higher the cost
Features:
- Natural gradient: soft color transition with metallic luster.
- Environmentally friendly: no plating required, but need to deal with acid in waste water.
- Durability: Color is stable, but may fade with long-term exposure to ultraviolet light.
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD coating)
Principle: In a vacuum environment, metal or ceramic materials (e.g., titanium, zirconium) are deposited onto the surface of stainless steel by ion bombardment to form a colored film.
Color range: gold, rose gold, black, gunmetal, iridescent, etc.
Cost: The more complex the color (e.g. gradient), the higher the price
Features:
- High hardness: surface hardness up to HV 1000 or more, strong wear resistance.
- Color stability: UV resistant, high temperature resistant (≤300°C).
- Environmental protection: no harmful substance release, RoHS compliant.
Electroplating Coloring (Electroplating)
Principle: Plating metal layer (such as copper, nickel, chromium) on the surface of stainless steel by electrochemical method, and then dyeing or oxidizing.
Color range: antique copper, black, rose gold and so on.
Features:
- Low cost: suitable for mass production.
- Limitations: plating layer is easy to wear, need regular maintenance.
Spraying and Printing
Principle: Adding color or pattern to stainless steel surface by spray painting, UV printing or screen printing technology.
Color range: full color range (support customized patterns).
Features:
- Flexible design: complex patterns can be realized.
- Poor durability: easy to scratch, suitable for interior decoration.
Common Colors and Effects of Color Stainless Steel
| Color | Applicable Process | Durability |
| Titanium Gold | PVD coating | High |
| Rose Gold | PVD coating | High |
| Dark blue | Chemical coloring | Medium |
| Matte Black | PVD Coating or Spraying | High (PVD) / Low (Spraying) |
| Antique Copper | Electrolytic coloring | Medium |
Advantages of Colored stainless steel
- Strong corrosion resistance (substrate performance retention)
- Various decorative effects to enhance the added value of the product
- Environmentally friendly and non-toxic (RoHS compliant)
- Easy to clean and maintain (smooth surface)
Application Areas and Cases
- Architecture: High-end architectural curtain walls, doors, windows, fences, curtain walls, etc.
- Decoration: wall decoration, ceiling, elevator interior, home hardware, etc.
- Home Appliances: Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Kitchen Appliances, Vintage Furniture, Lighting, etc.
- Art & Home: Jewelry, artwork, cell phone frames, art sculptures, etc.
- Transportation: automobile, high speed rail, train interiors.
- Commercial & Advertising: billboards, signage, display cases, mall interiors, etc.
- Medical: medical device housings, hospital facilities and equipment housings, etc.
Selection and Maintenance Recommendations
Selection of colored stainless steel by usage environment
- Outdoor/high wear scenarios: PVD coating (titanium, black).
- Indoor decoration: Chemical tinting or painting (low cost, rich colors).
Maintenance methods
- Cleaning: Neutral cleaner + soft cloth to wipe, avoid hard objects to scratch.
- Repair: local scratches can be repaired with special polishing paste, large area damage needs to be returned to the factory.
Color stainless steel Supplier Selection
- Certification Requirements: Confirm that the supplier provides salt spray test report (e.g. ASTM B117) and environmental protection certification.
- Customized service: support small batch color customization (such as RAL color card matching).
Color stainless steel combines the durability of stainless steel with rich colors and is widely used in many fields. Wanzhi Group has professional production lines and solutions, welcome to contact us for more samples and prices!