Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Black metal buttons are not all the same. The black colour is achieved in four main ways: with a mirror-black metal finish (known as “black nickel”), with a matte black metal finish, with a black antique (aged) effect, or with lacquer and paint. They differ in shine, in how they look in the light and above all in how they wear over time.
Below we show real samples from the Polkom colour chart so you can choose the right kind of black for metal buttons, snap buttons, eyelets and buckles.
The four kinds of black on metal buttons
1. Mirror black – the “black nickel” look
This is the shiniest black: deep, almost like a mirror, with a clear metallic reflection. In the trade it is often called “black nickel”, but the name describes only the colour, not the composition. In the Polkom chart these are PK-G05 Black mirror gloss and PK-M38 Black mirror chrome. It suits evening jackets, coats, dresses and bags, where the button should shine like jewellery.
2. Matte black metal finish
Matte black has no reflection, yet it still feels and looks metallic. It looks modern, sporty and very clean. In the chart: PK-M10 Deep black matte, and for a slightly lighter, greyish version – PK-M11 Anthracite matte. Close to black are also PK-M08 Dark graphite satin and PK-G14 Dark graphite gloss, if you want black with a slight grey sheen.
3. Black antique – aged black
Black antique has a dark base, but lighter metal shows through on the raised areas. This keeps the relief and the logo clearly visible even on a black button. A similar effect is also found in the trade as “black oxide” or “aged black”. In the chart: PK-M19 Black antique, and with a warm brass or copper glint – PK-M84 Black patina on brass, PK-M82 Antique brass with black patina and PK-M22 Black antique copper.
4. Lacquered black – paint and effects
With lacquer finishes, the black is a layer of paint on the metal. It gives the most “solid” black, with no metallic sheen at all – the button can look almost like plastic or ceramic. In the chart: PK-P01 Black gloss, PK-P02 Black matte and PK-P03 Black matte textured. Lacquer also allows effects on a black base: PK-P08 Black with gold patina, PK-P29 Gold spots on black, PK-P27 Red spots on black and PK-P12 White patina on black.
Comparison of black finishes
| Kind of black | Codes | Shine | How it wears | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirror black (“black nickel”) | PK-G05, PK-M38 | very high | scratches show in the light; over time the base may show on the edges | eveningwear, coats, bags |
| Matte black | PK-M10, PK-M11 | low | does not show fingerprints; with heavy rubbing the edges may become shinier | sportswear and urban wear, jackets |
| Black antique | PK-M19, PK-M84, PK-M82, PK-M22 | low to medium | wear looks natural, as part of the effect | denim, workwear, logo buttons |
| Lacquered black | PK-P01, PK-P02, PK-P03 | from gloss to matte | with a hard knock the lacquer may chip at a point | fashion collections, dresses, knitwear, furniture |
| Effect black (lacquer) | PK-P08, PK-P29, PK-P27, PK-P12 | medium | as with lacquer; the effect hides small marks | designer buttons, accent details |
How to tell the kinds of black apart in real life
- Look at the reflection. Mirror black reflects a lamp like a mirror. Matte black metal gives a soft grey sheen, and matte lacquer reflects almost nothing.
- Examine the relief. On black antique the recesses are darker than the edges. On mirror and lacquered black the colour is the same everywhere.
- Check the edge. Wear appears first on the rim of an eyelet or around the hole of a button. If you see light metal, the finish is metallic. If there is a small chip with a sharp edge, it is probably lacquer.
- Compare with the fabric. Black fabrics are not all the same either: bluish, brownish or greenish black. Place the button sample on the fabric in daylight.
Why the base matters: brass (B) or zinc alloy (A)
The metallic black finishes of the G and M series are made on brass (B) and on zinc alloy (A). When the finish wears off at the edge after years of use, the base metal shows through – warm and yellowish with brass, greyer with zinc alloy. With black antique this is even sought after as an effect. If the button will be under heavy load, for example on workwear or a bag, discuss with us which material is more suitable. You will find more about the two materials in the article brass or zinc metal buttons.
Black on snap buttons, eyelets and buckles
For snap buttons, black antique PK-M19 is a good choice if the cap has an embossed logo – it stays legible. Mirror black PK-G05 looks striking on a smooth cap, but for children’s clothing and workwear the matte PK-M10 is more practical. On eyelets for shoes and bags the rim is in constant contact with the lace, so matte and antique black hold up best visually.
If you combine black buttons with a zip, check whether the black of the zip is mirror or matte, and choose the same kind of shine for the buttons. Otherwise, even in the same colour, the two accessories will look different.
Black tone on tone or black as contrast
Before choosing the kind of black, decide what role the button will play. If you want it to blend into the black fabric so that only the silhouette remains, choose matte black PK-M10 or the lacquered PK-P02 – they do not reflect light and do not attract attention. If you want the button to be visible on black fabric but stay in the same palette, choose the mirror PK-G05 – the shine separates it from the matte fabric.
On white, cream, red or camel a black button is always a contrast. Here lacquered black gives the most graphic, “modern” effect, and black antique a softer, more vintage one. If in doubt, order samples of two kinds of black and sew them onto a piece of the fabric – the difference is visible immediately.
Black and the skin
All Polkom metal finishes are nickel free – mirror black, matte black and black antique alike. “Black nickel” is only a trade name for the tone. Read more about EU requirements in the article nickel-free garment accessories.
A sample in black
Polkom is a manufacturer of metal buttons and metal accessories with over 30 years of experience. We make styles to your design and with your logo in any of the black tones in the chart. Send us the code, the style and the fabric via the contact form – we will prepare a sample so you can compare the kind of black in real life.
