Black chrome

Surface finish

Black chrome creates a glossy dark surface with the hardness typical of chrome. Nickel is present in the underlayer. Browse our black chrome hardware variants.

Products: Black chrome

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How black chrome is made

Electroplated, like standard chrome, just with a darkened bath. There's nickel under the top layer, none on the surface itself.

What it gives the product

A glossy dark surface with chrome's hardness: abrasion-resistant and built for outdoor use.

When to choose it and when not to

Dark products that need to shine and last: buckles, snap hooks. For a confirmed nickel allergy, matte black is the safer choice: no nickel in any layer.

How it ages

It keeps its shine for a long time and dulls only slightly over time. Wearing through to the layer beneath is rare with chrome.

What it pairs with

Black leather and glossy accessories; its matte counterpart is matte black chrome.

  • Look

    Dark / black

    Black or dark graphite surface, matte, glossy or satin depending on the specific finish. Creates a low-contrast combination with dark straps and a clear contrast with pale colours.

  • Abrasion resistance

    Medium

    Suitable for normal everyday use. Traces of wear may gradually appear at exposed points with regular friction or contact with other metal parts.

  • Corrosion protection

    Outdoor exposure

    Protects the underlying material during typical outdoor exposure to rain, dew and occasional wetting. It may not be sufficient for permanently wet environments.

  • Nickel

    Yes, in interlayer

    Nickel is present in an intermediate layer rather than at the surface. If the top layer wears through, nickel may become exposed and come into contact with skin.

Damp conditions Outdoor use Suitable for typical outdoor exposure to rain, mud, moisture and sweat. Follow any care requirements of the base material and the complete product.
Aging Wear at contact points At points of regular friction (typically the buckle edge, snap contact point or strap) the finish gradually wears through and the base material shows beneath.
Process Galvanic Metal layer applied by electric current in a bath. An even, thin and well-adhered coating: the most widespread method for surface finishing of metal parts.