Gunmetal Color – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Gunmetal Color is a dark, matte-grey surface finish applied to stainless-steel or zinc-alloy vape mods, tanks, and drip tips. Named after the alloy once used for cannons, it gives devices a stealthy, military-grade appearance while hiding minor scratches better than polished or gold-plated alternatives. The coating is purely cosmetic—an electrically neutral PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) or Cerakote ceramic layer—so it does not alter resistance or flavour, making it a popular choice among Australian vapers who want a discreet, hard-wearing aesthetic that pairs well with both glass tank sections and black O-rings.

Technical Details

Gunmetal finishes are typically 1–3 µm thick and achieve their charcoal hue through titanium-carbon-nitride (TiCN) or chromium-carbo-nitride (CrCN) films. Vape hardware rated “gunmetal” usually starts with 303/304 stainless steel or zinc-aluminium alloy (ZnAl4), vapour-blasted to 120-grit before coating. PVD chambers deposit the film at 250–450 °C, giving a Rockwell hardness of 2,000 HV—three times tougher than raw stainless—so threads and 510 connectors resist galling. Common colour tolerances are ΔE < 2 versus the reference swatch, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency. Matte variants register 15–25 GU (gloss units) at 60°, while “polished gunmetal” reaches 60–70 GU, still far below mirror chrome. Because the layer is non-conductive, contact points such as 510 positive pins and battery caps are masked during coating to maintain low voltage drop.

Usage & Tips

• Match gunmetal mods with smoked-resin or clear glass tank sections for a cohesive look; avoid over-tightening because the dark finish can hide thread misalignment.
• Clean with a microfiber cloth and warm water—abrasive pads will micro-scratch the matte surface and create shiny patches.
• If the mod shows uneven wear (common on friction areas like battery doors), apply a tiny dab of mineral-oil-free ceramic car sealant to restore uniformity.
• Because dark colours absorb heat, allow high-wattage devices to cool an extra minute before pocketing to prevent battery wrap softening.
• Check 510 pins for excess gunk buildup; the dark well can mask conductive residue that lowers resistance readings.

History & Context

Gunmetal migrated into vape design around 2014 when high-end American modders sought a subdued alternative to flashy chrome. Australian manufacturers adopted it heavily in 2017 after the nicotine import ban drove consumers toward premium, visually stealthy hardware that blended with everyday carry gear. Today, gunmetal is the third-best-selling colour Down Under, behind black and stainless, and is standard across starter kits, pod systems, and rebuildable Genesis atomizers alike.