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Birchwood Presto Black STEEL PC9 Technologies - versatile blackening solution for iron and steel alloys traditional patina steel blue and black oxide touch-up (8 oz)

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$25.49

$ 10 .99 $10.99

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1.Size:1 Gallon


About this item

  • Achieve a deep blue/black finish on all iron and non-stainless steels with Presto Black STEEL PC9. Sold as a concentrate, can be mixed 50/50 with water for brush-on applications and 10% in water for immersion. Mix at stronger concentrations for faster blackening or for difficult to blacken surfaces.
  • Creates a rich, vibrant black patina. Ideal for use on a variety of ferrous metals, including steel, iron, and cast iron. Does not blacken Stainless steels
  • Made in the USA: Birchwood is the trusted name used by Architects, Artists and Industry since 1948
  • Artistic techniques allow for customization and unique patterns and designs. Can be applied by immersion, swab-on, or spray methods. Highlighting after will produce a pleasing distressed appearance. Wear appropriate PPE, to avoid irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory system. Gloves and safety glasses are recommended. Respiratory protection may be required if spraying the product produces a mist in work area.
  • Easy-to-use and fast-acting formula. Black color starts developing instantly on clean steel surfaces! Small projects are completed in minutes. Similar to cold blue process.
  • IMPORTANT: Coating itself DOES NOT protect the steel from rusting. If you do not immediately dry and seal it is prone to flash rusting. Seal with appropriate topcoat for end use. The black surface conversion is compatible with all sealants: oil, wax, clear coat, lacquers, etc. Combine with a metal cleaner and rust preventative to make a DIY black oxide kit.
  • Introducing Birchwood Technologies Presto Black STEEL PC9, the ultimate solution for achieving a deep black finish on ferrous materials. This high-quality black patina coating creates a smooth, uniform black finish . It's perfect for use on a variety of ferrous metals, including steel, iron, and cast iron, and is ideal for architectural, industrial, and touch-up applications. Black metal polish.


Product Description

Key Features of Birchwood Technologies' Presto Black STEEL PC9

Birchwood Technologies Presto Black Steel PC9 Versatile blackener for iron

Easy and fast acting formula

No heat, no electricity, simply swab on, brush on, spray on, or dip your parts by immersion. Black color will begin developing immediately. In 1 to 5 minutes you can stop the reaction when you achieve the depth of black desired by rinsing with fresh water.

Fasteners, bolts Tool Black, Gear black, gun blue, bluing steel, black patina, Presto Black solution

Blacken a wide variety of parts with ease

Easily blacken or touch-up any iron and steel part such as tools, gears, precision machined components, cast iron, cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, mild steel, tool steel and more!

Room temperature black oxide touch-up Tool Black, Gear black, gun blue, bluing steel, cold blue

Benefits of Black Oxide

Black oxide coatings are non-dimensional, provide break in lubricity, beautiful black aesthetic appeal, can be welded, does not chip and peel like paint, no hydrogen embrittlement, conforms to AMS-2484, extra corrosion resistance provided by top coat sealant of choice

Presto Black STEEL PC9 cold blue patina

Special applications for Artists

Artists, Architects, and Sculptors have trusted Birchwood Technologies for decades when they have high valued projects to complete. By using different techniques a wide variety of aged patina appearances can be achieved. Beams, railings, stairs, sculptures, signs and more!

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition Presto Black STEEL PC9 is a metal finishing solution that contains a unique blend of organic and inorganic compounds to create a durable, corrosion-resistant black oxide finish on metal surfaces. Similar to other room temperature products copper and selenium combine with iron on the surface to produce the black conversion coating.
Application method This versatile solution can be applied to metal surfaces using a variety of methods, including immersion, brush, spray, or wipe-on application.
Coating thickness Presto Black STEEL PC9 creates a thin, uniform coating of black oxide on metal surfaces, typically ranging from 0.00002 to 0.0005 inches in thickness.
Surface preparation To achieve optimal results, metal surfaces must be properly prepared prior to applying the Presto Black PC9 solution. This may include cleaning, degreasing, and/or pre-treatment processes such as etching or activating the surface.

Interested in blackening Stainless steels or Antiquing Copper, Brass and Bronze?

Check out our other products! Presto Black SSB for stainless steel blackening, Aluma Black A14 for Aluminum, and Antique Black M24 for Copper, Brass, and Bronze. All products are available in both quarts and gallons. Save your rusty treasures with our NEW Rust Converter PRO, blackens, seals, and primes all in one.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What metals will this blacken? Presto Black STEEL PC9 is optimized to blacken all steels but NOT stainless, make sure you properly identify the metal you wish to blacken before purchasing our products. If you have stainless steel alloys we recommend our Presto Black SSB. For Copper/Brass/Bronze we have Antique Black M24 and for Aluminum we have Aluma Black A14. Using the wrong chemical for your substrate could result in pitting or undesirable colors.
The black is splotchy Surface condition prior to blackening is very important for black oxide! Splotchy is typically indicative of poor cleaning; oil, grease and even fingerprints will block the chemistry from blackening areas of your parts. Be sure to clean thoroughly, if the surface condition has blemishes and you wish for a very uniform color it is recommended you sand blast or remove the blemish with something very abrasive like a maroon scotchbrite.
Black material is coming off Some amount of rub-off is inherent to all black oxide processes, especially the room temperature technologies. However it may be minimized with proper technique. Never allow the chemical to react with the metal longer than necessary to achieve your desired color, excess reaction time will create excess black rub off. A rough surface will have better adhesion than a shiny machined surface, so roughen by blasting or sanding with a scotchbrite.
Sealing in loose black If working the chemical in and reapplying multiple times doesn't increase adhesion when a very dark color is desired. Sealing with a clearcoat will lock in all loose material, otherwise wiping down with an oily rag or waxing the surface will also eliminate black coming off in the end user’s hands.
I want a unique appearance A wide variety of appearances are achievable with a little creativity and skill! Artists and architects have used Birchwood’s blackening and antiquing chemistry for decades to create stunning appearances. The reaction may be stopped at any point to get decorative finishes. You may also find it pleasing to burnish or brush after blackening for certain distressed looks.
Do I need to use a sealant? Protecting with a rust preventative is highly recommended. The black will appear much fuller and deeper when sealed, if simply air dried you may find the color is gray/black or lighter. Recommended sealants include clear coats, lacquers, oils, and waxes. The appropriate topcoat for you depends on environment and desired touch feel. Blackened steel is prone to flash rusting without a sealant.
Rinse, Rinse, Rinse! Rinsing is the most commonly overlooked step and also very important to the quality of your finish! If you do not rinse thoroughly after your desired color is achieved, the chemical will continue reacting. For this reason you must remove 100% of the chemical by flushing with clean fresh water. Residual chemical on the part may cause undesirable colors such as red/brown as well as excessive loose black material that rubs off in your hands.
I need help! We have a dedicated technical team of trained chemists ready to help you! Please do not hesitate to reach out so we can help you learn the proper techniques necessary to get the results you expected.
Flash rusting issues? Flash rusting is caused by water which may have some residual acid being left on the part and allowing to air dry. To prevent this rinse extremely well to remove all residual acid, force air dry and seal the part immediately.
5 minutes and no reaction Although the chemical typically starts blackening in 3-5 minutes some surface conditions will take longer. Closely monitor the part for 10-15 minutes and see if the reaction begins. If the reaction does not begin then there is a surface condition preventing the chemical from reacting with your substrate. There may be a clearcoat you were not aware of, oil, tarnish or oxides that must be removed. Clean the part thoroughly and roughen with an abrasive pad to expose fresh reactive metal.
What PPE should I utilize? Our product is very acidic so appropriate caution should be taken. Safety glasses and/or goggles are required to prevent accidental contact with eyes. Nitrile gloves should be used to protect your hands. Respiratory protection may be desired if you are spraying or misting the product. If accidental exposure occurs please follow the information on the SDS and seek medical attention. Flushing with clean fresh water to minimize damage to tissue.
How should I dispose of this? Used and unused products are very acidic and contain copper and selenium. Consult with local wastewater regulatory authorities to determine proper disposal. There may be sites that will accept the chemical or you may have to have a third-party treatment facility take care of it. Do not release to the environment.
What is the coverage? Usage varies widely based on application technique. Typically one-gallon of chemical can cover 100-150 square feet of substrate. You may be able to collect run-off and reuse multiple times. Immersion baths can also be used multiple times before discarding. Reaction of reused chemical may be slower than initial runs. Depending on desired color diluting the chemical may produce required look and increase your coverage.
What is the coating? Birchwood Technologies’ room temperature coatings produced utilize copper and selenium to create colored conversion coatings which are non-dimensional and penetrate the surface of your substrate. These coatings go by many names depending on the industry. Traditional Patinas, Cold Blue, Black Oxide, Gun Blue, Metal Blackener, and Brush on Blackener are all synonyms for our technology.
This product vs paint? Birchwood Technologies’ products are chemical conversion coatings penetrate the surface of the substrate and alter the metal substrate in order to change the color. This coating is non-dimensional and does not flake or chip off like paint. Similar to staining wood vs painting wood, when you use our conversion chemistry you will see the beautiful grains of the substrate and can create one of a kind pieces of art. Some patinas mimic natural aging and continue to age naturally after treatment.
Shelf life? When properly stored, sealed, and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures the product will last a very long time. Best by date is two years from manufacture, however the chemical should not go bad under normal conditions. If product separates or evaporates you may add water and mix to restore functionality.

NOEMI CREDO
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2025
Good
Vincent R LIOT
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2025
Did what I was looking for. Another product I tried before browned the steel with a rusty color, this blackened it and so far no rust.
HAL
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2025
Used this on some old exhaust manifold bolts. As you can see in the pic one has been treated and one hasn't. Dipped it in 100% solution. I followed instructions printed on container. Can't wait to use this stuff on other items for my classic cars.
Lou S.
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
Not bad for touchups, but for larger pieces, there are better products. Overall, easy to use and economical.
Mark B
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2025
I achieved mixed results with this solution. Some parts took on a nice even black color with repeated applications, while other parts were mottled blueish, black and gray. If you want a real black oxide finish, you have to use a hot tank application.
Brittany Caffo
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
Works like it should! What else can one say!
Customer
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2025
Easy to use and works well.
James Davis
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2025
Have used this product in industrial manufacturing, Has many purposes and works well. Only requirement is to follow the instructions. Last a long time too.