What is Colored Stainless Steel Sheet and Why Do We Use Them?

Author: Cheryl

Mar. 24, 2025

What is stainless steel coloration? Explanation of colored stainless ...

Common stainless steel is a mixture of iron, chromium, and nickel, and is basically silver.

HWHG supply professional and honest service.

However, stainless steel is not only silver, it can be colored by painting or chemical coloring.

Colored stainless steel is called 'colored stainless steel,' and in this column article, we will explain what kind of coloring methods are available, how the surface looks, and what the characteristics of the coloring method are.

Colored stainless steel offers a wide range of choices depending on the application. Please read the column article and feel free to contact us if you are interested.

Coloring of Stainless Steel

As you all know, common stainless steel is a mixture of iron, chromium, and nickel.

In other words, the color of stainless steel is basically silver.

So, have you ever heard about colored stainless steel?

It is commonly referred to as colored stainless steel.

In this column, I will focus on the method of how to make this silver-colored stainless steel into colored stainless steel.

How to color stainless steel

The most common coloring method that immediately comes to mind is painting.
Stainless steel can be colored by painting it.

If you add a little bit of color to a thin transparent paint called clear paint, you can create colored stainless steel that makes use of the stainless steel substrate.

Painting is basically called coloring.

The next step is to control the thickness of the passive film on the surface of the stainless steel, which refracts light like a rainbow to create the color.

There are two ways to control the passive film: chemical coloration and electrolytic coloration.
These two methods of controlling the passive film are chemical coloration and electrolytic coloration, and the color produced by these optical interference films is called coloration.

Finally, there is the method of coating the surface of stainless steel with metal ceramics.

There are two mainstream PVD methods used in this process, although they are similar in terms of manufacturing method.

The following is an explanation of how each color stainless steel is manufactured from the material.

Manufacturing method of colored stainless steel

Painting

Painting is the most popular method of producing colored stainless steel.

It is colored stainless steel, but it is commonly referred to as painted stainless steel.

This colored stainless steel (painted stainless steel) can be manufactured in large quantities by stainless steel manufacturers in coiled facilities.

Depending on the type of coating, high durability is enhanced, especially for roofing materials, and the color variation can provide outstanding performance and landscape design.

Types of painted stainless steel.

Although the above is an image of the coating process, the general drafting method for coated stainless steel is to manufacture stainless steel coils at a stainless steel manufacturer and then coat the stainless steel coils. This is a finishing process that ensures stable quality because it is manufactured with mechanical equipment.

Items that cannot be made in coils are manufactured by post-coating.
In this case, there are various coating methods available, some of which are more adherent and durable than others.

chemical coloring

Chemical coloring is the oldest method of producing colored stainless steel other than painting.

The stainless steel is dipped in a special chemical coloring solution, which causes the passive film on the surface to grow and the color to appear due to the effect of light interference film.

This is a colored stainless steel.

Stainless steel that develops beautiful iridescent hues through chemical coloring.

' Ororu Corporation'https://ororu-inc.co.jp/'

If you change the angle of the previous one'

Ororu Corporation'https://ororu-inc.co.jp/'

In this way, the color of the stainless steel changes depending on the angle from which it is viewed, which is a characteristic of colored stainless steel that uses optical interference film.

The above is just an image of how chemical coloring is produced. Stainless steel is immersed in this type of chemical coloring solution to grow a passive film.

Imagine oil or soap bubbles floating on water.
This is the principle behind the color of the stainless steel.

We also manufacture colored stainless steel design materials using this chemical coloring process.

This is a water surface stainless steel panel. Please refer to the following link for more information.

If you are interested in this colored stainless steel design material, please contact us for further information.

Mysterious stainless steel in navy blue

Mysterious stainless steel in navy blue

electrolytic coloring

In principle, electrolytic coloring is a technique that uses electricity to produce the chemical coloration described above.

Black is the most famous color for stainless steel, but this electrolytic coloring is used for titanium.

Example of electrolytic coloration of titanium The appearance of iridescence is similar to that of chemical coloration, but the coloration method must be selected according to the material.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hot Rolled Stainless Steel Coil.

By applying electricity in this way, it is possible to obtain an iridescent surface by the reaction in the electrolyte and the growth of a passive film.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)

The last method is to form a thin film of metal-ceramics on the surface of stainless steel using a vacuum system.

Unlike conventional painting, chemical coloring, or electrolytic coloring, this method forms a tough metal-ceramic film on the surface while utilizing the metal substrate.

This technology is widely used in a wide range of applications, from coating tool edges to decorative items (watches, glasses, etc.).

There are two main methods, ion plating and sputtering.

There are two mainstream methods, ion plating and sputtering, but each method is further subdivided, and each manufacturer has accumulated its own unique volume technology.

On the left is the ion-plating method, which uses the power of electricity to ionize metal from a lump of metal called a target and strike it onto the metal surface.

On the right is the sputtering method, in which a gas called argon is activated and struck onto a metal material called the target, whereupon the bounced ions from the target are deposited on the metal surface.

For example, when a golden hue is deposited, a golden stainless steel is produced.

For more information about golden stainless steel, please refer to the following

Golden stainless steel

Golden Metal Waffles

Our ion plating technology is also at its best in titanium.

IP Gold Titanium, developed with Nippon Steel Corporation, maintains its majestic appearance and performance even in harsh environments.

If you would like to know more about it, please read the following column article

If you would like to know more, please refer to the following column article. If you would like to know more, please refer to the following column article.

If you would like to know more, please refer to the following article.

Characteristics of Titanium and Durability of IP_Golden Titanium

Finally

The following is a brief explanation of the manufacturing process of colored stainless steel, one of the stainless steel surface finishes.

Colored stainless steel is a type of stainless steel surface finish.
A wide range of choices are available depending on the application.

While retaining the texture of the design polishing process, we believe that chemical coloring, which gives a glossy hue, can contribute to the creation of new spaces.
We look forward to working with you.

<Sales for materials and glass coating liquid>

Sales Division, Toyo Stainless Steel Polishing Co.

Topma Coat Co.

The Comprehensive Guide About Colored Stainless Steel

Introduction to Colored Stainless Steel

While traditional stainless steel exhibits a silver hue, colored stainless steel offers a spectrum of vibrant shades like gold, bronze, and black. The process of coloring stainless steel involves applying pigments to the metal's surface. However, the purpose of coloration extends beyond aesthetics; it also serves to conceal fingerprints and smudges.

Colored stainless steel presents an alternative to conventional stainless steel, imparting a distinctive aesthetic to your surroundings. Similar to regular stainless steel, the colored variant boasts durability and effortless maintenance.

It's essential to acknowledge that like most colored items, prolonged exposure to sunlight and certain cleaning agents may cause the color to gradually fade over time. For a more enduring colored surface finish, opting for darker hues is recommended.

What Color Is Stainless Steel

Colored stainless steel undergoes a surface treatment where a specialized coating is applied to enhance both its resistance to corrosion and its visual appeal. This treatment introduces an array of colors to stainless steel, including black, gold, blue, brass, bronze, green, brown, and dark grey. Common methods employed in coloring stainless steel encompass physical vapor deposition (PVD) and light interference color (LIC). Typically, the coating material consists of compounds involving titanium (Ti) or zirconium (Zr).

Colored Stainless Steel Sheet

Advantages of Colored Stainless Steel

Colored stainless steel surpasses regular stainless steel in terms of both anti-corrosion and scratch resistance, signifying enhanced durability. Incorporating colored stainless steel into your residential or commercial spaces offers a multitude of benefits. Foremost among these advantages is its remarkable visual appeal, capable of transforming the ambiance of any setting. Here are some key benefits associated with using colored stainless steel:

Elevated Aesthetics: 

Colored stainless steel significantly enhances the visual allure of spaces, whether it's adding vibrancy to a kitchen or elevating the distinctiveness of construction projects. Its diverse color range caters to diverse aesthetic preferences.

Augmented Durability: 

Beyond its aesthetic charm, colored stainless steel boasts superior durability compared to conventional stainless steel. The color layer's exceptional anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch properties ensure increased resilience against wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic zones like elevators and escalators.

Enhanced Safety: 

Colored stainless steel contributes to improved safety within spaces. Opting for lighter hues enhances visibility in low-light areas, while darker shades are adept at concealing dirt, simplifying maintenance and cleanliness.

Heightened Property Value: 

Introducing colored stainless steel can potentially augment the value of your property. Whether it's for a home or a business, the distinctive appearance of colored stainless steel can captivate potential buyers and attract more visitors if employed in commercial spaces like shopping malls.

Colored Stainless Steel vs. Regular Stainless Steel

Colored stainless steel exhibits comparable durability to its uncolored counterpart, and in some aspects, it surpasses regular stainless steel. For instance, colored stainless steel demonstrates a lower tendency to display fingerprints and smudges, unlike its uncolored variant. Furthermore, black stainless steel offers better coverage of scratches compared to lighter-colored stainless steel, making it a preferable choice for enhanced wear resistance.

The coloring process does not compromise the strength or durability of the metal in any manner. The primary disparity between colored and regular stainless steel lies in their appearance. Importantly, the coloring process does not impact the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Thus, colored stainless steel maintains an equivalent level of resistance to rust and corrosion as regular stainless steel.

Colored stainless steel is made by adding a Ti film of material over regular stainless steel to improve its resistance to fingerprints and scratches. So, it is as safe as uncolored stainless steel.

Does Stainless Steel Rust

Within the realm of stainless steel, numerous myths and misconceptions abound. A prevalent inquiry revolves around whether stainless steel is susceptible to rust. The fact is, yes, it can corrode, albeit the likelihood is significantly lower compared to other steel types. Notably, colored stainless steel offers identical rust resistance as standard stainless steel.

The inherent corrosion resistance in stainless steel arises from its chromium content, exceeding 10%. Nonetheless, extended exposure to chemicals, salt, grease, moisture, or prolonged high temperatures can lead to corrosion.

Moreover, another contributing factor to stainless steel rusting in regular environments is the failure to promptly mend severely damaged passivation films. Regular maintenance and consistent cleaning are pivotal in averting rust formation.

Conclusion

Colored stainless steel stands out as an exceptional material, and its durability stands as a primary factor drawing numerous individuals towards its use. It boasts equivalent durability to regular stainless steel while possessing an added aesthetic appeal. Opting for colored stainless steel proves advantageous for projects that demand stylish and distinctive designs. With diligent care and proper maintenance, colored stainless steel can endure for many years, ensuring longevity and enduring beauty.

4

0

Comments

Please Join Us to post.

0/2000

All Comments ( 0 )

Guest Posts

If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!

Your Name: (required)

Your Email: (required)

Subject:

Your Message: (required)