Insta-Blak® 333/333 GEL

User Guide
Swab-On / Immersion Application

17000 West Lincoln Ave.

New Berlin, WI 53151-2781
Ph: 262-786-9330
Fax: 262-786-9403

www.epi.com
Swab-On / Hand-Application
Insta-Blak® 333 & 333 GEL
Specified by architects and artisans for architectural 4’x8’
steel panels, stairs, railings, furniture, frames, tools, and
more.

Insta-Blak® 333 solutions are fast-action chemical

conversion coating for all ferrous metals except stainless
steel. Insta-Blak® 333 GEL is recommended for
architectural steel, vertical surfaces (such as steel steps
and steel framing), blackening re-machined black oxide
surfaces, swab-on finishing of prototype parts, and quick
touch-up of scratched or damaged black oxide finishes.

• Produces no dimensional or structural change in

the metal.
• Finish is resistant to solvents, oils, cutting fluids, etc.
• Results in aesthetically pleasing appeal

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Insta-Blak® 333 GEL is used for many types of architectural
finishes for interior applications. For exterior architectural
finishes, EPi recommends stainless steel & Insta-Blak® SS-370
GEL as the steel might rust, depending on the performance
of the lacquer. For better results, EPi recommends using high-
performance lacquers such as automotive or exterior powder
coat clear.

SAVE MONEY
Swab-on applications reduce the expenses related to black
oxide lines, and are ideal for on-site blackening options.
Another advantage of on-site finishing is no touch-up is required
from transportation and installer scratches.

Turnkey blackening lines are also sold by EPi!

Insta-Blak® 333 GEL SWAB-ON FINISHING PROCEDURE

Steel alloy, hardness, and surface finish all affect the speed/
uniformity of blackening and affect the final appearance of the
blackening. To prep the steel, you may wish to use an orbital
sander, blasting with aluminum oxide grit, Scotch Brite pad,
or polish. A darker finish is easier to attain when using a satin/
matte steel.

Acid-resistant plastic containers MUST be used to contain both

liquid and gel Insta-Blak® 333 solutions. A gallon of solution will
blacken approximately 100 sqft (GEL) or 400 sqft (liquid).

1. Clean. Degrease the area to be refinished with alcohol,

chlorinated solvents, vapor degreasing, a liquid detergent
or EPi’s E-Kleen 163, a room temperature spray/swab-
on. Do not use petroleum solvents. Let the cleaner
work 1-3 minutes. If the part(s) has been sand blasted
or mechanically prepared, then the cleaning step can
be skipped as long as the parts are free from any oils,
lacquers, finger prints, or other soils. If this is the case
skip ahead to step #3.
2. Rinse under running water, and use a damp sponge
or cloth. If water breaks occur during rinsing, try using
E-Kleen 163 again. Water breaks indicate the substrate
is not clean. Remove any rust with steel wool or abrasive
paper. A steel scribe works well for narrow scratches.

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 Insta-Blak® 333 GEL SWAB-ON FINISHING PROCEDURE (CONTINUED…)
3. Blacken. Apply full strength Insta-Blak® 333 GEL generously with a cotton swab,
sponge or brush using a light rubbing action. Use care to ensure a smooth and
even coverage. Continue light rubbing action for 1 to 3 minutes. If the reaction
has stopped, you may add more blackening solution. The depth of blackness is
controlled by the length of time the solution is left in contact with the metal surface.
Note: If Insta Blak 333 is reacting too quickly, dilute with 2-4 parts water to one part
Insta Blak 333 to slow down the blackening reaction
4. Rinse with running water for 30-60 seconds, a damp cloth or damp sponge several
times to remove residual blackening solution. Adding a small amount of baking
soda to the rinse water will help ensure the complete removal and neutralization of
the residual acidic Insta-Blak® 333 GEL solution.
5. Dry. Wipe the surface dry, or force dry with a heat gun or walk-in oven for big
sheets. Do notuse compressed air to dry. Rub the surface with a soft cloth or brush.
If the residual solution is not completely removed, the surface may begin torust as it
dries.
Note: The depth of blackness will be enhanced as the sealant in the next step
isabsorbed into the finish, and may require 24 hours to set in. You may repeat steps
3, 4, and 5 if a darker finish is desired.
6. Seal. To enhance the depth of blackness and impart corrosion resistance, the finish
must be sealed with one of EPi’s E-Tec brand of corrosion inhibitors. E-Tec 502
will leave a slightlyoily finish, E-Tec 505 a soft, non-tacky dry finish, E-Tec 520 a
hard clear acrylic finish and E-Tec 521 a clear wax finish. For architectural interior
finishes use E-Tec 520, E-Tec 521, RENWAX or E-LAQ 525. For architectural
exterior finishes use high performance exterior automotive lacquer or exterior
powder coat.

The Insta-Blak® finish in itself imparts very little corrosion resistance. However, its porous
structure will absorb the sealant, promoting long term corrosion resistance.
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Insta-Blak® 333
Immersion Blackening
No more waiting on unpredictable parts from
outside vendors–you’ll be able to make your
own smut free parts with a solid black finish.
Tired of the high labor costs of swab-on finishing? Is
your business for blackening growing too quickly?
Install a turnkey blackening line from EPi. An
Insta-Blak® 333 room temperature blackening line will
produce more uniform results in 10-20 minutes, saving
you time and labor. A 24”x24”x24” seven-tank system
costs $15,000-$20,000.

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Insta-Blak® 333 IMMERSION FINISHING PROCEDURE
The steel alloy, surface hardness, and finish of the steel play a role in the blackening reaction and the
ultimate depth of blackness.

1. Clean
In a steel container, thoroughly clean the parts in a 10% by volume solution of E-Kleen SR 148-E and
90% by volume of water at 120-150ºF. The cleaning time will depend upon the type and degree of
soil present on the metal surfaces and the concentration and temperature of the E-Kleen SR-148-E
solution.

2. Rinse
Using an overflowing polyethylene/polypropylene tank, rinse the parts for 1-2 minutes in clear tap water.

(Optional) Activate
Using a polyethylene/polypropylene tank, activate the surface of the parts in a 20% by volume E-Prep
258 solution and 80% by volume water for 2 minutes for optimal activation at room temperature

Note: Leaving parts in E-Prep 258 for too long may turn the parts green-black at the end of the finishing
procedure. If this occurs, cut back activation time to 30 seconds in future use.

(If Activated) Rinse

Rinse the parts as in step 2 above.

3. Blacken
In a polyethylene/polypropylene tank, blacken the parts in a 10% by volume solution of Insta-Blak® 333
and 90% by volume of water for 2-5 minutes. Longer bath life can be achieved using a 50 micron filter.
Agitation and/or solution movement can accelerate blackening time.

4. Rinse
Rinse the parts as in step 2 above.

5. Seal & Finish

In a steel container, seal the finish and enhance the depth of blackness. For an oily finish, use E-Tec
501. For a semi-dry finish, use E-Tec 503. For a soft and non-tacky finish, use either E-Tec 504 or E-Tec
505+. (For other E-Tec options, see the Insta-Blak® 333 Technical Data Sheet.)

Place the blackened parts into the E-Tec solution of your choice, and agitate 6-12 times up and down
(about 1-2 minutes). Then, air dry for 15-30 minutes.

Typically, 24 hours later, the part will be a deeper black as topcoat absorbs into the blackened finish.

Be sure to read and understand the Technical Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets for each of these
products before using them. Please see the Insta-Blak® 333 Technical Data Sheet for more detailed
processing instructions.

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Insta-Blak® 333 Trouble Shooting
Problem Reason Solution

Spotty and non-uniform Poor cleaning Increase temperature of

blackening E-Kleen 148-E to 150˚F.
Increase dwell time. Make
sure solution concentration
is 10-12% by volume.
Spotty and non-uniform Poor rinising Rinses must be clean.
blackening Blackening residue must
be removed. Check to see
if there are any water-
breaks on parts.

Bluish cast on parts or Insufficient activation Carbon steels, 4130, and

grayish finish parts that result in grayish
finish may
require more time in
E-Prep 258. Longer time
in blackening may also be
helpful.
Excessive rub-off Improper blackening Blackening solution too
strong or excessive time
in blackening solution.
Check again if parts are
clean prior to blackening.

Parts rusting after black- Poor rinsing. Insufficient Rinse must be clean to re-
ening time in sealant excessive move residues of blacken-
water in sealant ing solution. Increase dwell
time in sealant making
sure water is displaced off
parts. Do not let parts dry
after rinse prior to sealant.
Drain water from bottom of
sealant tank.

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Metal Blackening Processes
Insta-Blak® S334 With Hot Oxide Formulations Continued:
Swab-on or touch-up finish for iron and steel. Ultra-Blak 400-L
Insta-Blak® Z-360 A highly concentrated liquid version of Ultra-Blak
For zinc surfaces; replaces expensive black 400.
chromates. Ultra-Blak 404 & 404-L
Insta-Blak® SS-370 & SS-370 GEL Ready-to-use black oxide salts for cast and
For blackening stainless steel. malleable iron at 250°F.
Insta-Blak® A-380 Ultra-Blak 407 & 407-L
Immersion process for aluminum. Blackens stainless steel at 250°F per military spec.
Mil-C-13924C, Class 4.
With Mid Temp Oxide Formulation: Ultra-Blak 420
Kool-Blak 225 Blackens copper and brass at 200°F.
Save energy, blackens 225-235ºF, no caustic Ultra-Blak 460
fumes. Meets military spec MIL-C-13924C, Black chemical conversion finish on zinc, 160°F.
Class 1. Ultra-Blak 466
Black chemical conversion finish for nickel and high
With Hot Oxide Formulations: nickel alloys, 160°F.
Ultra-Blak 400
A premium grade salt mixture that actually costs
less to apply. Used at 285°F to produce a black
oxide (magnetite) finish per military spec
Mil-C-13924C, Class1.

Rust Preventives & Corrosion Inhibitors

Water Displacing Calcium Based Formulations: Specialty Formulations:
E-Tec 501 Leaves a slightly oily finish. Heavy duty. E-Tec 520
E-Tec 503 Leaves a very slightly oily finish. Clear acrylic lacquer, low corrosion protection
E-Tec 504 Leaves a dry-to-the-touch finish. E-Tec 522
E-Tec 505 Leaves a dry, soft, non-tacky finish. Satin wax emulsion, low corrosion protection
E-Tec 505+ Heavy duty version of E-Tec 505. E-LAQ 525
Leaves a thicker film. High corrosion resistance, clear air-dry water-
based gloss lacquer.
Water-soluble (Emulsifiable) Formulations: E-Tec 527
E-Tec 510 Water-based formulation for temporary rust
Diluted to 3-5% with water, leaves a dry finish. protection of steel.
Diluted to10% with water, a slightly oily finish. E-Tec 527-B
Diluted to 20% with water, an oily finish. Same as E-Tec 527 but also protects brass and
E-Tec 515 aluminum.E-Tec 528 rinse aid for plating processes
Heavy duty formulation with a higher degree of E-Tec 528
corrosion resistance than the E-Tec 510. Rinse aid for plating processes.
E-Tec 512 E-Tec 529
Formulation with emulsifiers and waxes and used Corrosion inhibitor and anti-tarnish for copper,
fullstrength or diluted with up to 50% water. It brass and silver.
providesan extremely thin, waxy, dry-to-the-touch
film with superior salt spray resistance of 150 hours.

17000 West Lincoln Ave. Ph: 262-786-9330

New Berlin, WI 53151-2781 Fax: 262-786-9403 www.EPi.com