How to Blacken Galvanized Pipe

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Blackening galvanized pipe is the process of changing the pipe's color. Galvanized pipe is coated in a layer of zinc. There are two ways to blacken galvanized pipe: Remove or chemically alter the layer of zinc. Products known as black oxide or steel-blackening kits allow you to change the color of galvanized pipe at home. The pipe must be thoroughly cleaned before using the kit. Some kits contain everything you need while others contain just the black-oxide solution.

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Things You'll Need

  • Steel Wool

  • Rubber Gloves

  • Penetrating Sealant

  • Black Oxide Or Steel-Blackening Kit

  • Distilled Water

  • Soft Cloth

  • Plastic Bucket (If Not Supplied With The Kit)

  • Swab Cloth

  • Stainless Steel Tongs Not Coated With Rubber

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Step 1

Put on rubber gloves to protect your skin from making contact with the black oxide. Some kits include rubber gloves and others do not.

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Step 2

Add one part black-oxide concentrate to nine parts distilled water in a large plastic bucket. The water should be between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix enough solution to where the galvanized pipe can be completely submerged.

Step 3

Add the section of galvanized pipe to the bucket. Let the pipe sit in the solution until it reaches the desired color of black. Do not submerge the pipe in the solution for more than three minutes.

Step 4

Remove the pipe from the solution with stainless-steel tongs not coated with rubber and dry it with a soft cloth. Some kits include tongs while others do not.

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Step 5

Rub the surface of the pipe with steel wool to give it a metallic, shinier finish. Do not rub the surface with steel wool to give it a flat, muted finish.

Step 6

Dip a swab cloth into the penetrating sealant and liberally rub it on the surface of the pipe. If the kit does not include a swab cloth, they are available at hardware stores.

Step 7

Dry the pipe overnight. It will feel oily for a few days, but it will be safe to handle after 24 hours.

Tip

Each kit is different, so read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Warning

Once contaminated with the black oxide, the tongs are not safe to use with food.

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