What birchwood technologies does

Birchwood Technologies, operating as Birchwood Laboratories LLC, is a Minnesota-based specialty chemical manufacturer founded in 1948 that formulates and sells metal finishing systems for ferrous and non-ferrous substrates. Its core technology centers on proprietary mid-temperature black oxide processes — notably the patent-pending Tru Temp 2nd Gen for iron, steel, and tool steel, and Tru Temp Stainless for stainless steel grades — that operate at 200-210°F versus traditional 285-295°F hot black oxide, producing MIL-DTL-13924F compliant finishes without effluent treatment and with substantially lower caustic loading. The 41-product catalog spans black oxide, room-temperature Presto Black solutions, antique patinas for copper/brass/bronze, MicroLok zinc phosphate, rust converters and Dri-Touch sealants, metal cleaners and surface conditioners, and benchtop-to-production finishing equipment (Mini systems, BT40, BT100 tank lines).

Name

birchwood technologies

Legal name

Birchwood Laboratories LLC

Website

https://birchwoodtechnologies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Metal Finishing Chemicals

NAICS

Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied Activities (3328)

akta.pro primary industry

Electroplating & Metal Finishing (Anodizing/Galvanizing/Passivation) (IMAIAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Aluminum Fabrication & Finishing (Machining, Anodizing, Coating) (IMAKACAI)

Keywords

• Metal finishing chemicals
• Black oxide coatings
• Rust preventive products
• Zinc phosphate solutions
• Patina finishing systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Eden Prairie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Chemical Product Sales: Direct sales of metal finishing chemicals including black oxide solutions, patina solutions, rust preventives, cleaners, and surface conditioners. Products sold in various sizes from 8oz bottles to 5-gallon containers. One-time purchase model with repeat replenishment purchases.
2. Equipment Sales: Sale of finishing equipment including Mini Tru Temp systems ($1,299), BT40 tank lines, and BT100 tank lines. Custom quote pricing for larger systems. One-time capital equipment purchases.
3. Marketplace Sales: Sales through Amazon marketplace for select patina products. Third-party channel sales with Amazon fulfillment.
4. Authorized Dealer Sales: Wholesale distribution through authorized dealer network. Dealers purchase at wholesale rates and resell at retail. Retail packaging includes UPC-coded 8oz and 32oz SKUs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Birchwood Technologies manufactures and sells metal finishing chemical solutions and process equipment for surface treatment of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The product portfolio spans black oxide finishes (mid-temperature Tru Temp and room-temperature Presto Black), antique patinas, zinc phosphate coatings, rust preventives, metal cleaners, surface conditioners, and benchtop-to-production finishing equipment (mini kits and BT40/BT100 tank lines). Customers are industrial manufacturers, machine shops, tool rooms, and decorative metalworkers who use the products to apply corrosion-resistant and aesthetic metal finishes either in-house or through authorized dealers.

Product overview

Birchwood Technologies is a manufacturer of metal finishing chemical solutions and equipment. Their product portfolio consists of several core product lines that work together as a complete metal finishing system: Black Oxide Finishes (Tru Temp 2nd Gen, Tru Temp Stainless, Tru Temp XL for iron/steel/stainless steel operating at mid-temperature 200-210°F, plus Presto Black room-temperature products), Traditional Patinas and Antiquing Solutions (Antique Black and Antique Brown products for copper, brass, bronze, nickel, and silver), Specialty Blackeners (Aluma Black for aluminum, Zinc Black ZN4 for zinc die-castings, Pewter Black PB1 for pewter/tin), Zinc Phosphate (MicroLok MZN), Rust Converters and Preventives (Rust Converter PRO, Dri-Touch sealants, Sheath products), Metal Cleaners and Surface Conditioners (Safe Scrub, Presto Kleen, Oxyprime, Safe Prep products), and Finishing Equipment (Mini finishing systems for benchtop use, BT40 and BT100 production tank lines, plus test kits). The company also provides free 1-on-1 process consultation with their chemist for customers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tru Temp: Mid-temperature black oxide product line for iron, steel, and stainless steel finishing
• Presto Black
• MicroLok
• Dri-Touch
• Antique Black
• Rust Converter PRO
• Aluma Black
• Oxyprime
• Safe Scrub
• Sheath
• ClearLok
• Satin Shield
• Pewter Black
• Zinc Black

Products and services

• Tru Temp 2nd Gen Black Oxide Mid-temperature black oxide process operating at 200-210°F that forms a durable black oxide finish on iron, steel, and tool steel. Concentrate for make-up and replenishment, producing a 1 micron satin black magnetite coating with no EPA regulated metals and sewerable rinse waters after pH neutralization.
• Tru Temp Stainless Black Oxide Two-stage chemical reaction process for stainless steel (series 200, 300, 400, and 17-4 pH): activation with dilute muriatic acid solution followed by oxidation to form a uniform black magnetite coating. Zero chrome formulation with 30-40% less caustic content than competitive finishes. MIL-DTL-13924F Class 4 compliant.
• Tru Temp XL One Component Black Oxide True black magnetite finish at 200°F for iron and steel. Concentrate for make-up and replenishment of Tru Temp XL process; used with Oxyprime Powder. The original Tru Temp platform preceding the 2nd Gen formulation.
• Presto Black Steel PC9 Versatile liquid concentrate for room temperature blackening of steel. Used at 10% by volume for production scale lines. Available in 8oz ($25.99) to 5 gallon ($564.50) sizes.
• Presto Black SSB Liquid concentrate that produces a black patina on stainless steel at room temperature. Versatile brush-on blackening solution for most stainless steel substrates. Available in 8oz ($25.99) to 5-gallon ($564.50) sizes.
• Presto Black BST4 Brush-On Liquid Instant acting blackener/touch-up for tools, machine parts, and decorative surfaces. Produces dark black finish for all ferrous alloys. Price range $51.60-$564.50.
• Presto Black Gel Blackening/antiquing gel for decorative steel surfaces without runs and drips. Slower reaction than BST4 Liquid for control on large surfaces. Produces a gray/black finish.
• MicroLok MZN Fine-grained zinc phosphating solution for iron and steel components. Provides corrosion protection and serves as a paint adhesion base. Price $309.00 for 5 gallon.
• Antique Black M24 Brush-On Brush-on concentrate for blackening or browning of brass, bronze, and copper alloys. Produces pleasing US10B finishes on large architectural surfaces, sculptures, or engravings. Color controlled by diluting with water.
• Antique Black M20 Immersion General-purpose blackening and browning concentrate for brass, bronze, and copper alloys. Rapid reaction ideal for manual finishing lines. Contains buffering agents resistant to low-level contamination. Price range $154.70-$564.50.
• Antique Black M21 Immersion Concentrate High-strength concentrate for browning of brass, copper, bronze, and blackening of nickel and silver. High coverage per gallon with low operating cost. Price range $137.80-$503.00.
• Antique Brown Gel Brush-on browning gel for decorative brass, copper, and bronze surfaces. Unique gel formula has slower reaction than M38 liquid for extra control on large surfaces. Produces medium brown finish.
• Antique Brown M38 Immersion Concentrate Traditional patina solution for golden to chocolate brown brass, bronze, or copper patina. Slower reaction (1-4 minutes) allows operator to stop at light, medium, or chocolate brown tones. Used at 20% by volume for darker tone, 10-15% for lighter browns.
• Aluma Black Room temperature blackening concentrate for cast and machinable grades of aluminum. Ideal for simulated pewter or light duty service when protected by clear topcoat. Price range $25.99-$564.50.
• Zinc Black ZN4 Immersion Non-chrome alternative to black chromate using molybdate chemistry. Forms hard black finish on zinc die-castings and zinc-plated surfaces. Can be highlighted for simulated pewter finish or sealed with clear topcoat. $442.00 for 5 gallon.
• Pewter Black PB1 Immersion Concentrate Rapid room temperature blackener for cast pewter or tin-plated surfaces. Highly concentrated for high coverage per gallon and low operating costs. $442.00 for 5 gallon.
• Rust Converter PRO Professional-grade rust converter and sealer that turns rust into a black surface. Stabilizes rust, blackens, seals, and primes. Can also blacken raw iron and steel. Apply two coats for extra depth or one coat as primer for topcoat. Price range $89.00-$320.00.
• Dri-Touch IRP1 Dry-to-Touch Sealant Ultra-fine dry film sealant. Solvent based with 126°F flash point. Super-fast water-displacer and penetrant forming dry-to-touch film. Ideal for raw steel/casting inventory, tooling/fixturing, or precision gages. $203.50 for 5 gallon.
• Dri-Touch IRP2 Colorless Rust Preventive Colorless, odorless water displacer with dry-to-touch consistency. Does not wick off onto packaging materials. Ideal sealant over black oxide or phosphate finishes. Solvent based with 130°F flash point. Price range $60.30-$220.00.
• Dri-Touch Plus IRP3 Heavy-Duty Rust Preventive Heavy-duty protective coating with thicker film than IRP2. Self-healing, soft-waxy film with better moisture resistance. For long-term storage and dealer warehouse parts. $231.00 for 5 gallon.
• Dri-Touch Low-VOC Rust Preventive Low-VOC version of Dri-Touch IRP2 for applications with flash point, odor, or safety concerns. Dry-to-touch, colorless film. 250°F flash point. $365.00 for 5 gallon.
• ClearLok Urethane Polymer Sealant Water-based heavy-duty urethane polymer sealant forming hard, glossy protective film that stands up to scuffing, wear, and handling. No flash point. Dry film thickness about 0.0002 inches. $326.50 for 5 gallon.
• Satin Shield SS10 Acrylic Polymer Sealant Acrylic polymer emulsion forming smooth, satin-gloss dry finish. Film thickness about 0.0002 inches. Excellent appearance for sales appeal or retail sale with no ruboff residue. $326.50 for 5 gallon.
• Sheath RB1 Water Displacing Oil Solvent-based water-displacer forming slightly oily protective film. 126°F flash point. Quick penetration of blind holes and recessed areas. Light oil film enhances lubricity for assembly. $217.00 for 5 gallon.
• Sheath WS12 Water Dilutable Oil Water dilutable oil forming slightly oily protective film. Used at 130°F for fast drying. Ideal for bulk-processed parts like barrel coated hand tools and fasteners. Non-flammable. $242.00 for 5 gallon.
• Safe Scrub ST Heavy Duty Cleaner Concentrate Heavy-duty soak tank degreaser for iron and steel components. Removes oils, coolants, and soils. Liquid concentrate mixes easily with water and rinses freely. High oil holding capacity. Price range $54.10-$197.50.
• Safe Scrub M Multi-Metal Cleaner Biodegradable soak tank degreaser for all metals. Removes oils, coolants, and soils. Liquid concentrate with no caustic soda. Safe for ferrous metals, aluminum, brass, and zinc. Price range $54.10-$197.50.
• Presto Kleen HP Heavy Duty Cleaner Heavy-duty alkaline soak tank cleaner for iron and steel. Removes cutting oils, coolants, or surface soils. Free-flowing powder mixes easily in warm water and rinses freely. $268.00 for 40 pound.
• Oxyprime Liquid Surface Conditioner Primer for Tru Temp black oxide process on tool steels. $287.50 for 5 gallon.
• Oxyprime Powder Surface Conditioner Primer for Tru Temp black oxide process, used with Tru Temp XL. 40 pound container. $292.00.
• Oxyprime XP Primer Prep Descaler All-purpose primer for Tru Temp process. For use with Tru Temp black oxide. $312.00 for 40 pound.
• Oxyprime XPL Primer/Prep Primer/descaler for Tru Temp black oxide process. Price range $78.80-$287.50.
• Mini Tru Temp 2nd Gen Blackening Line (BKTT2G) 5-gallon in-house black oxide system operating at 200°F. Mid-temperature black oxide for iron and steel creating satin black magnetite coating. Includes chemistry (enough for two fills), steel pails, plastic pails, hotplates (110V/1100W), thermometers, and dipping basket. Ships by LTL services. $1,299.00. Not for sale in California.
• Mini Tru Temp Stainless Blackening Line (BKTTSS) 5-gallon tool room scale black oxide system for stainless steel operating at 200-210°F. Includes Muriatic Acid Surface Conditioner, Tru Temp Stainless black oxide, Dri-Touch Amber IRP2 rust preventative, thermometers, and dipping basket. $1,299.00. Shipped by Federal Express.
• BT40 Tank Line 40-gallon tank system with seven tanks (16" x 24" x 24" deep). Constructed of 10 gauge steel or welded polypropylene. Includes dual stainless steel heaters, controllers, and plumbing connections. Occupies 3 ft x 16 ft area. Counter-flow rinse tanks use one-tenth the water of overflow rinses. Custom pricing.
• BT100 Tank Line 100-gallon tank system with eight individual tanks (24" x 40" x 28.5" deep). Operating capacity 100 gallons. Constructed of 10 gauge mild steel (epoxy painted) or 3/4" welded polypropylene. Includes stainless steel heaters and plumbing connections. Counter-flow rinse tanks for water conservation. Custom pricing.
• Tru Temp 2nd Gen Test Kit Color change test kit for Tru Temp 2nd Gen or Tru Temp XL Drop Count Titration Test Procedure. $60.00.
• Presto Black Steel Test Kit Test solution for Presto Black and Antique Black products. Includes Presto Black Steel Test Procedure. $60.00.

Quantifiable outcome

• Turnaround time reduced from 5-10 days to under 1 hour for same-day in-house blackening
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• DuPont: Diversified chemicals major with a metal finishing and surface treatment portfolio that includes chemistries and processes overlapping Birchwood's black oxide, patina, and rust-prevention offerings in industrial markets.
• Quaker Houghton: Global industrial chemicals leader with metal finishing and surface treatment offerings, including cleaners and pretreatments used by similar industrial and metalworking customers Birchwood targets.
• Element Solutions (MacDermid Enthone): Specialty chemicals platform operating MacDermid Enthone, the leading global supplier of metal finishing and surface treatment chemistries, competing head-to-head with Birchwood in black oxide, zinc phosphate, and decorative finishes.
• Henkel (Bonderite): Global specialty chemicals giant whose Bonderite line offers metal cleaning, phosphating, black oxide, and surface treatment chemistries that directly overlap Birchwood's Tru Temp and MicroLok product families.
• Atotech (MKS Instruments): MKS-owned Atotech supplies chemistry and equipment for surface finishing, including black oxide and zinc phosphate lines used by the same machine-shop and industrial customers Birchwood serves.

Direct peers

• Columbia Chemical: U.S. specialty chemical maker focused on zinc and zinc-alloy plating additives plus associated metal finishing chemistries, serving decorative and functional finishing customers that overlap Birchwood's antique and zinc-finishing buyers.
• Hubbard-Hall: U.S. specialty chemical manufacturer with metal finishing, cleaning, and rust prevention lines that closely match Birchwood's Tru Temp, Safe Scrub, and Dri-Touch portfolios across similar mid-market industrial accounts.
• Coral Chemical Company: U.S.-based specialty chemical supplier focused on metal finishing, pretreatment, and water treatment chemistries, selling into overlapping machine-shop and industrial customer segments with similar chemistry offerings.
• Heatbath Corporation: Long-standing U.S. manufacturer of metal finishing chemistries including black oxide, phosphate, and cleaners, directly competitive with Birchwood's Tru Temp, Presto Black, and MicroLok lines.
• EPI (Electrochemical Products Inc.): Smaller U.S. manufacturer of specialty metal finishing chemistries, including blackening and cleaning products, with comparable scale and customer base to Birchwood.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/birchwoodtech

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about birchwood technologies