From NTI Anthracite Finish™ to NTI Black Finish™ and NTI SuperBlack Finish™, NTI helps brands create premium dark finishes matched to colour depth, finish style, material, performance needs and production scale.
Black is desirable. Deeper black is harder to control.
Across consumer electronics, watches, sanitary hardware, automotive interiors and luxury accessories, darker finishes are becoming a stronger signal of precision, premium value and product identity.
Black may look premium at first glance, but fingerprints, scratches, sweat, corrosion, cleaning exposure and heat can quickly change how the surface and the product is perceived.
Even small shifts in colour depth, gloss or tone become visible across adjoining parts, production batches and lighting conditions, making consistency as important as the target shade itself.
A shade that looks right on one part can still vary across substrates, geometries and production batches. Its true value is proven when the same depth and character can be repeated at volume.
Explore three finish ranges defined by measurable lightness (L*), finish style, coating material and substrate fit, helping brand makers and designers align premium black appearance with the surface performance required for real product use.
For designs that call for graphite, gunmetal or smoked black rather than full deep black, NTI Anthracite Finish™ delivers controlled metallic darkness with durable surface character for premium parts that are handled, assembled and produced at scale.
For designs that call for graphite, gunmetal or smoked black rather than full deep black, NTI Anthracite Finish™ delivers controlled metallic darkness with durable surface character for premium parts that are handled, assembled and produced at scale.
46 to 55
Matte, satin, gloss, brushed and textured
From precision parts to large-format components
Carbon (DLC, ta-C), carbide and nitride-based coating options available
Up to 5,000 HV class, coating process dependent
For surfaces that must remain refined through repeated touch, cleaning, assembly and daily wear, NTI Black Finish™ balances premium black depth with dependable surface performance for everyday product environments.
For surfaces that must remain refined through repeated touch, cleaning, assembly and daily wear, NTI Black Finish™ balances premium black depth with dependable surface performance for everyday product environments.
Matte, satin, gloss, brushed and textured
From precision parts to large-format components
Carbon (DLC, ta-C), carbide and nitride-based coating options available
Up to 3,500 HV class, coating process dependent
For flagship products where black carries the identity of the design, NTI SuperBlack Finish™ lowers lightness for richer tone and stronger visual homogeneity, helping surfaces appear deeper, cleaner and more consistent from close inspection to product photography.
For flagship products where black carries the identity of the design, NTI SuperBlack Finish™ lowers lightness for richer tone and stronger visual homogeneity, helping surfaces appear deeper, cleaner and more consistent from close inspection to product photography.
Matte, satin, gloss, brushed and textured
From precision parts to large-format components
Carbon (DLC), carbide and nitride-based coating options available
Up to 1,500 HV class, coating process dependent
NTI FinishGuard™ is designed for premium black surfaces that need to withstand more demanding use conditions.
It adds a carbon-free inorganic enhancement to selected NTI Black Finish™ coatings, strengthening corrosion, sweat, handling and elevated-temperature stability support for high-touch and high-exposure applications across selected metal substrates, including stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, zinc, brass and magnesium.
For aluminium, zinc, brass, magnesium and other non-ferrous substrates, it can also support direct-to-substrate finishing, helping reduce reliance on conventional electroplating routes where application conditions allow.
For dark metallic finishes requiring stronger corrosion, sweat and thermal stability support on selected substrates.
Standard Finish
NTI FinishGuard™ Enhanced
Standard black finishes are configured to meet the target shade, finish style, substrate and application requirement.
Standard NTI Anthracite Finish™ configurations are configured for the selected substrate, finish style and expected use environment.
Standard carbon-based black coating routes can support many decorative and wear applications, but may not be preferred where post-coating heat treatment or higher service-temperature exposure is expected.
NTI FinishGuard™ adds a carbon-free inorganic enhancement pathway for selected black finishes requiring stronger corrosion, sweat, handling and elevated-temperature stability support.
Adds carbon-free inorganic barrier enhancement to help improve resistance against moisture, perspiration, cleaning exposure and corrosion-related risk.
Provides a carbon-free inorganic thermal stability pathway for selected NTI Anthracite Finish™ configurations, supporting elevated-temperature exposure of up to 600°C on suitable substrates and validated coating configurations.
Performance is subject to substrate, geometry, surface preparation and application validation.
NTI FinishGuard™ can be reviewed as an optional enhancement for selected NTI Anthracite Finish™, NTI Black Finish™ and NTI SuperBlack Finish™ applications requiring stronger corrosion, sweat, handling or elevated-temperature stability support.
For everyday premium black surfaces requiring stronger environmental protection and thermal stability on high-touch parts.
Standard Finish
NTI FinishGuard™ Enhanced
Standard black finishes are configured to meet the target shade, finish style, substrate and application requirement.
Standard NTI Black Finish™ configurations are matched to high-touch use requirements, including appearance, wear, handling and cleaning exposure.
Standard carbon-based black coating routes can be suitable for many premium black applications, but may have limitations under post-coating heat treatment or higher service-temperature environments.
NTI FinishGuard™ adds a carbon-free inorganic enhancement pathway for selected black finishes requiring stronger corrosion, sweat, handling and elevated-temperature stability support.
Adds carbon-free inorganic barrier enhancement to help improve resistance against touch, moisture, sweat, cleaning exposure and corrosion-related risk.
Provides a carbon-free inorganic thermal stability pathway for selected NTI Black Finish™ configurations, supporting elevated-temperature exposure of up to 600°C on suitable substrates and validated coating configurations.
Performance is subject to substrate, geometry, surface preparation and application validation.
NTI FinishGuard™ can be reviewed as an optional enhancement for selected NTI Anthracite Finish™, NTI Black Finish™ and NTI SuperBlack Finish™ applications requiring stronger corrosion, sweat, handling or elevated-temperature stability support.
For flagship deep black surfaces requiring stronger homogeneity, anti-fingerprint appearance, corrosion and sweat support, and thermal stability.
Standard Finish
NTI FinishGuard™ Enhanced
Standard black finishes are configured to meet the target shade, finish style, substrate and application requirement.
Standard NTI SuperBlack Finish™ configurations are developed for deep tone and visual homogeneity, with protection configured around the substrate and use environment.
Standard carbon-based deep black coating routes may have limitations where post-coating heat treatment or higher service-temperature exposure is required.
Deep black surfaces can make fingerprints and handling marks more visible, especially on glossy or high-touch parts.
NTI SuperBlack Finish™ targets low lightness (L*) values, but colour distribution may vary with part geometry, coating route, edge conditions and batch-to-batch processing.
NTI FinishGuard™ adds a carbon-free inorganic enhancement pathway for selected black finishes requiring stronger corrosion, sweat, handling and elevated-temperature stability support.
Adds carbon-free inorganic barrier enhancement to help improve resistance against moisture, perspiration, cleaning exposure and corrosion-related risk.
Provides a carbon-free inorganic thermal stability pathway for selected NTI SuperBlack Finish™ configurations, supporting elevated-temperature exposure of up to 600°C on suitable substrates and validated coating configurations.
Helps reduce the visible impact of fingerprints and handling marks on selected darker finishes, supporting cleaner handling aesthetics for high-touch parts.
Supports a narrower colour distribution with stronger visual consistency across selected parts, batches and edge areas, helping reduce banding, edge discolouration and visible tone variation.
Performance is subject to substrate, geometry, surface preparation and application validation.
NTI FinishGuard™ can be reviewed as an optional enhancement for selected NTI Anthracite Finish™, NTI Black Finish™ and NTI SuperBlack Finish™ applications requiring stronger corrosion, sweat, handling or elevated-temperature stability support.
To support sample evaluation, qualification and production readiness, NTI provides in-house validation across appearance, durability and environmental resistance.
Testing scope, conditions and acceptance criteria can be aligned to the substrate, application environment and project requirements.
Review the finish against the intended colour, tone, gloss and surface appearance requirements.
Areas of test include:
Assess coating adhesion, surface durability and wear response against handling, assembly and repeated use conditions.
Areas of test include:
Evaluate surface response against moisture, sweat, cleaning exposure, heat and corrosion-related conditions.
Areas of test include:
NTI Nanofilm provides testing and characterisation support for coating development and application qualification. Depending on the site, project scope and agreed requirements, testing is conducted in-house or coordinated through qualified facilities. Recognised test methods may be referenced where applicable. Results apply to the samples and conditions evaluated and do not constitute third-party product certification.
Clearer shade definition, stronger surface performance and a practical path from sample to production.
Move beyond subjective descriptions and align on measurable shade direction, finish style and lightness (L*) targets
Match the finish to wear, scratch, sweat, corrosion, fingerprint and thermal requirements
Support tighter appearance control across parts, batches, lighting conditions and final assembly
Move from colour target and sample evaluation to validation, pilot coating and mass production planning
NTI Black Finish supports premium dark surfaces across consumer electronics, home and lifestyle products, watches, sanitary hardware, automotive accessories, luxury accessories and industrial decorative components.
Frames, bezels, camera rings, buttons and exterior trims where black depth, anti-fingerprint appearance and consistency matter
Kitchen appliance trims, grooming devices, hair care products, vacuum parts and tableware requiring premium black durability
Cases, bezels, bands, clasps and housings requiring premium appearance, skin contact durability and cosmetic reliability
Faucets, handles, trims and fittings exposed to moisture, cleaning agents, fingerprints and frequent touch
Decorative trims, logos, bezels and controls where dark finishes must remain consistent across lighting conditions
Writing instruments, eyewear components, jewellery hardware and premium accessories where black defines product identity
Functional decorative parts requiring appearance, wear resistance, corrosion support and production scalability
Choose the pathway that fits the project: move faster with established black finish ranges, develop a tailored finish with NTI coating services, or bring PVD black-colour production in-house with NTI equipment.
Accelerate sampling and production with established NTI Anthracite Finish™, NTI Black Finish™ and NTI SuperBlack Finish™ ranges and proven coating process directions.
Develop and validate a tailored black finish around the product, application environment and brand intent.
Build internal PVD black-colour capability with batch or inline systems aligned to production needs.
NTI Dream™ Batch Coating System
Flexible batch production for varied components, programmes and black finish requirements.
Continue exploring the applications, coating technology and broader finish possibilities behind distinctive black surfaces.
Share your target shade, substrate, finish style and application environment. NTI will review the requirement and recommend a suitable finish route, NTI FinishGuard™ option or validation scope.
NTI Black Finish™ is NTI’s decorative black coating portfolio for premium surfaces. It spans NTI Anthracite Finish™, NTI Black Finish™ and NTI SuperBlack Finish™, with measurable lightness (L*) ranges, multiple finish styles and coating routes matched to the substrate and application.
NTI Anthracite Finish™ targets lightness (L*) 46 to 55 for graphite, gunmetal and smoked metallic tones. NTI Black Finish™ covers L* 36 to 45 for a classic premium black, while NTI SuperBlack Finish™ reaches L* 20 to 35 for the deepest black appearance and stronger visual depth.
Lightness (L*) is the lightness value in the CIELAB colour system. Lower L* values indicate a darker appearance, so L* provides a measurable way to define and compare black depth instead of relying only on subjective shade descriptions.
NTI Black Finish™ can be evaluated for stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, brass, zinc alloys, coated base metals, plastics, rubber, glass and ceramics. NTI supports components from precision parts to large-format components, with the final coating route determined by substrate, geometry, surface preparation and application requirements.
Durability depends on the selected coating route and application. Published nanohardness reaches up to 5,000 HV class for NTI Anthracite Finish™, up to 3,500 HV class for NTI Black Finish™ and up to 1,500 HV class for NTI SuperBlack Finish™, with all values coating-process dependent.
NTI FinishGuard™ is an optional carbon-free inorganic enhancement for selected NTI Black Finish™ applications. It can strengthen corrosion, sweat, handling and elevated-temperature stability support, and can support exposure of up to 600°C on suitable substrates and validated coating configurations.
Yes. NTI can develop a black finish from a reference sample, lightness (L*) target, finish style or design direction. Matte, satin, gloss, brushed and selected textured appearances can be evaluated together with substrate fit and performance requirements.
Yes. NTI provides in-house validation support for colour and gloss, adhesion, scratch and wear resistance, hardness, salt spray, artificial sweat, humidity, UV, thermal exposure and selected chemical resistance checks, based on the agreed project scope.
NTI offers three pathways: established NTI Anthracite Finish™, NTI Black Finish™ and NTI SuperBlack Finish™ ranges for faster sampling; application development and coating services for tailored requirements; and in-house production through NTI Dream™ Batch Coating System or NTI Titan™ Inline Coating System.
NTI Black Finish™ supports premium dark surfaces for consumer electronics, home and lifestyle products, watches and wearables, sanitary hardware, automotive accessories, luxury accessories and industrial decorative components, including frames, bezels, trims, housings, controls, fittings and other high-touch parts.
