Legor DARKBOND - Gunmetal Black Plating Solution for Intermediate Layers (1L)

Legor DARKBOND – Ready-to-Use Gunmetal Black Plating Solution for Intermediate Layers (1L)

Legor DARKBOND is a high-performance gunmetal black electroplating solution designed for use as an intermediate layer beneath black rhodium and black ruthenium finishes. It promotes strong adhesion and enhanced durability, increasing abrasion and tarnish resistance while preserving colour intensity over time. DARKBOND can also serve as a final plating layer thanks to its striking gunmetal aesthetic and high surface hardness. The solution is supplied ready-to-use-no mixing or dilution required.

Product Details:

• Solution form: Ready-to-use liquid
• Colour: Black (gunmetal finish)
• pH: Acidic
• Shelf Life: 2 years
• Application method: Electroplating (immersion under current)

Deposit Characteristics:

• Colour: Gunmetal black
• Finish: Shiny
• Hardness: 650 HV
• Density: 10.5 g/cm³
• Thickness range: 0.02 – 0.3 µm

Operating Parameters:

• Temperature: 50°C – 60°C (Optimal: 60°C)
• Current Density: 1 – 3 A/dm² (Optimal: 2 A/dm²)
• Deposition Speed: 0.25 µm in 4 minutes @ 2 A/dm²
• Cathodic Efficiency: 6 mg/A·min
• Solution Movement: Moderate (filter pump or magnetic stirrer)
• Solution Density: 10 – 12 °Bé (Optimal: 11 °Bé)
• Filtration: Continuous recommended for volumes >5L
• Anode: Platinised titanium

Equipment Requirements:

• Tank Materials: Pyrex, PVC, HDPE, or polypropylene
• Heaters: Pyrex, quartz, porcelain, or PTFE
• Power Supply: DC rectifier with low ripple (< 5%), with ammeter, voltmeter, and ampere-minute meter (for large installations)
• Filtration: Magnetic-driven filter pump with 5–15 µm PP cartridges (pre-boiled and DI rinsed)

Suitable Substrates:

• Gold and gold-plated alloys (direct application)
• Silver and copper-based alloys (requires a pre-layer of nickel or palladium to prevent contamination)

Post-Treatment Compatibility:

• Compatible with Legor RH2B (Black Rhodium) and RU5BLACK (Black Ruthenium)
• Recommended rinsing and neutralisation in NEUT1 before final finish
• Can also be used as a standalone final layer

Water Quality:

• Use demineralised water with conductivity < 3 µS/cm for any rinsing or replenishment

Maintenance Guidelines:

• No replenisher required – use until exhausted

Safety Documentation:

• Safety Data Sheet
• Technical Sheet

Specifications:

• Weight: 1.2 kg
• Shipping: Hazard Goods
• Brand: Legor
• Solution Type: Gunmetal Black Plating
• MPN: DARKBOND

Note: Product images are for reference only and may vary from the actual item.