Metal Cleaners Remove Surface Soils to Improve Black Oxide Finish

Metal surface cleaners and conditioners from Birchwood Casey are designed to improve black oxide coating and other metal finishing processes by removing surface soils.

The Presto Kleen powdered cleaner and Safe Scrub ST biodegradable liquid cleaner are designed for medium- to heavy-duty soak-tank cleaning of iron and steel parts. According to the company, the cleaners mix easily with water and operate at temperatures ranging from 120 to 180°F. The cleaners to lift oily residues and hold them in suspension. They are free-rinsing in cold water, producing waterbreak-free surfaces that are receptive to subsequent coating operations. The Safe Scrub M cleaner also is available for cleaning light metals such as aluminum, brass and zinc without discoloring the metal.

The company’s Oxyprime surface conditioner serves as an activator and primer to make metal surfaces more receptive to subsequent coloring or blackening operations. It provides a mild-acid surface conditioning to ensure uniform adhesion across the part, without the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, the company says. In some cases, the solution can also be used in conjunction with ultrasonic rinsing to remove virtually all surface particulates. The conditioner is available in powdered and liquid concentrate for a variety of finishing jobs.