Oscura is a rich, blackened patina on steel developed for interior use. Activated steel surfaces create a mottled and artistic ambiance that varies from sheet to sheet. The surface is sealed with a clear coat to protect against scratches, scrapes, and rusting caused by the ambient interior environment.
Zahner developed the blackened steel patina process as an internal finish for interior feature walls, lobbies, perforated metal features, and other design accents. Iron alloys are not commonly used in the uncoated state since left to nature’s devices, these alloys will oxidize. However, the browns and grays that develop offer a natural warmth with a smooth texture. When cleaned of scale and mill oil, the surface appears dark blue-gray. Heating blackens the surface, and subsequent shaping drives the dark tones into the surface.
Oscura is more than just a beautiful material. It’s a responsible choice, made using environmentally friendly manufacturing practices in our award-winning, EPA-compliant facility. We take pride in capturing and recycling all residual bath minerals and compounds to mitigate our environmental impact.
The versatility of Oscura is unmatched. The dark blues of the steel, combined with the heavier carbon alloys of cast iron, create a tapestry of black and gray hues that can complement a wide range of materials and colors. From dark brown to black, the color of Oscura can vary depending on the intensity of the oxide on the surface of the steel. While the oxides produced by our proprietary alkali method are beautiful, they are also delicate and prone to abrasion. That’s why we recommend and regularly reapply appropriate protective coatings to ensure its long-lasting beauty.
Each Oscura sheet is one of a kind, with high variability in color patterning from sheet to sheet.
Use the visualizer to explore Oscura in a 3D environment. Rotate the object to see how the Surface will appear from different vantage points with a fixed light source.
InteriorSpecs & Info
| Title | File Type | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Oscura™ Blackened Steel Specs & Usage | ||
| Surfaces Instructions – Storage & Handling | ||
| Surfaces Product Datasheet | ||
| Surfaces Rhino Material File – Oscura | zip | |
| Surfaces Specification | docx | |
| Surfaces Warranty | ||
| Zahner Product Warranty |
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