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In-depth Analysis of Black Coating Techniques

When creating products like badges and key chains, choosing the right black surface treatment is crucial. Different techniques yield different textures, and the variety of black finishes offers greater creative possibilities in design. However, this diversity can also complicate the decision-making process. This article will guide you through three common black coating techniques—black nickel, electrophoretic black, and matte black paint—to help you find the best solution for your product needs.

Black Nickel

When creating products like badges and key chains, choosing the right black surface treatment is crucial. Different techniques yield different textures, and the variety of black finishes offers greater creative possibilities in design. However, this diversity can also complicate the decision-making process. This article will guide you through three common black coating techniques—black nickel, electrophoretic black, and matte black paint—to help you find the best solution for your product needs.

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Electrophoretic Black

Electrophoretic deposition is the process of depositing resin ions onto the surface of metal. Compared to electroplating, it is more difficult to achieve a metallic finish through electrophoresis. This technique is more like coating the surface with a layer of resin paint, which covers the unique metallic sheen of the metal itself. However, it allows for a wider range of color options and is particularly suitable for achieving vibrant colors or matte, non-glossy finishes.

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Matte Black Paint

A surface treatment technique that uses a mixture of powder and air to spray a special coating onto the surface of an object, resulting in a low-gloss, non-reflective finish. The main characteristic of this method is its fine surface texture, providing a soft and subdued visual effect.
Besides black, other Pantone colors can also be specified for matte painting.

Matte Black Paint badge

Feature Comparison

Comparison Item

Electroplating

Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD)

Spray (Painting) Coating

Definition

A process that uses electrolysis to coat the surface of a metal with another metal or alloy, creating a metallic film on the surface.

The process of changing the surface color by depositing a different type of resin ion onto the metal surface through the movement of charged colloidal ions in an electric field.

A surface treatment technique that uses a mixture of powder and air to spray a special coating onto the surface of an object, achieving a low-gloss, non-reflective finish.

Function

Can coat a metal surface with one or more layers of metal ions (such as nickel, copper, zinc, etc.) as a protective layer to prevent oxidation, increase wear resistance, and enhance appearance. It has a metallic texture.

Suitable for achieving vibrant colors or matte, non-glossy textures.

Applies a special coating to the surface of an object to achieve a low-gloss, non-reflective effect.

Applicable Materials

In addition to metal surfaces, it can also electroplate specially treated plastics. 

Only applicable to conductive metal surfaces.

Can be used on various materials, including metal, plastic, etc.

Specified Colors

Available color options

Available color options

Can specify Pantone colors

Color Choices

Fewer
(Electroplating color chart options)

Fewer
(Electroplating color chart options)
More
(Pantone color chart options)

Cost

High

Moderate

Moderate

 

Electroplating

Definition

Function

Applicable Materials

Specified Colors

Color Choices

Cost

A process that uses electrolysis to coat the surface of a metal with another metal or alloy, creating a metallic film on the surface.

Can coat a metal surface with one or more layers of metal ions (such as nickel, copper, zinc, etc.) as a protective layer to prevent oxidation, increase wear resistance, and enhance appearance. It has a metallic texture.

In addition to metal surfaces, it can also electroplate specially treated plastics. 

Available color options

High

Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD)

Definition

Function

Applicable Materials

Specified Colors

Color Choices

Cost

The process of changing the surface color by depositing a different type of resin ion onto the metal surface through the movement of charged colloidal ions in an electric field.

Suitable for achieving vibrant colors or matte, non-glossy textures.

Only applicable to conductive metal surfaces.

Available color options

Moderate

Spray (Painting) Coating

Definition

Function

Applicable Materials

Specified Colors

Color Choices

Cost

A surface treatment technique that uses a mixture of powder and air to spray a special coating onto the surface of an object, achieving a low-gloss, non-reflective finish.

Applies a special coating to the surface of an object to achieve a low-gloss, non-reflective effect.

Can be used on various materials, including metal, plastic, etc.

Can specify Pantone colors

Moderate

★ Bonus Introduction - Anodized (Black)

Anodizing is a surface treatment technique that uses an electrolytic reaction, typically applied to metals like aluminum, to enhance the appearance and performance of the product. This process forms an oxide layer on the metal surface, which not only improves corrosion resistance but also increases hardness and wear resistance. Substrate Limitation: Anodizing is mainly suitable for specific metals like aluminum and is not applicable to other materials. In addition to black, anodizing can also be done in other colors.

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