How do black tin cans provide a scratch-resistant surface for cosmetics?

Cosmetics brands must protect their products from makeup stains, accidental drops, and the frequent handling of items in retail environments where customers pick and view items. Traditional cardboard or plastic containers quickly show signs of wear and discoloration, which reduces the perceived value of the product. Made from tinplate, black tin cans are not only strong and durable but also feature a special scratch-resistant coating during production, which reduces the impact of wear and tear. This coating protects against the wear and tear caused by daily use, whether it is in a purse or on a store shelf.

Material Composition and Substrate Properties of Black Tin Cans

The core of scratch-resistant cosmetic containers lies in the strength of the material itself. Black tin cans are usually made from tinplate, and this tin coating not only prevents corrosion but also provides a smooth and uniform substrate suitable for advanced coating and printing processes. When we produce black tin cans, we first cold-roll steel coils to precise specifications. After rolling, the steel is cleaned and electrolytically coated with tin. The thickness of this layer of tin is typically between 0.5 and 1.0 microns on each side. The tin adheres firmly to the steel, forming a corrosion-resistant barrier that prevents rust and ensures long-term durability. Since cosmetics often contain oils, water-based serums or acidic toners, this corrosion resistance helps maintain the structural integrity of the container and protects the product from contamination.

Next, lubrication and surface treatment are required to prepare the surface for the functional coating. This is followed by the application of a primer, usually an epoxy, phenolic or polyester resin. This primer sets the stage for subsequent coatings, enhancing adhesion and providing additional corrosion protection. This primer enhances scratch resistance from the inside. Finally, special additives such as UV stabilizers or scratch-resistant nanoparticles may be added to the primer or ink formulation of the customized black tin can to enhance its durability under intense light exposure or repeated rubbing.

Anti-scratch coating technology for black tin cans

To add a scratch-resistant surface to a black tin can, we use a powder coating application method. In this process, we electrostatically spray a dry powder polymer onto the pre-treated tinplate. After the powder adheres to the surface of the can, we place the can in an oven and cure it at a temperature of 180–200°C. The result is a smooth and uniform coating.

Additionally, for some high-end cosmetics, we will use black tin cans and UV-cured varnish. This coating technology involves applying a colored resin to the tinplate surface and then exposing it to high-intensity UV light. UV exposure triggers instant polymerization, converting the liquid varnish into a solid cross-linked film in seconds. The result is a smooth, high-gloss or matte surface.

Another special surface treatment technology is hot stamping with scratch-resistant metallic pigments. In this method, we attach a patterned foil embedded with metal particles and a protective topcoat to the tinplate surface under high temperature and pressure. High-end cosmetic brands often employ this method to ensure that complex patterns retain their gloss and prevent wear during the product’s shelf life.

Surface treatment and texture design

In addition to purely functional coatings, cosmetic brands often seek customized black tin cans with tactile and unique textures. Surface treatment technologies, such as embossing, debossing, and soft-touch finishes, enhanced scratch resistance by creating subtle textures that hide minor scratches..
The embossing process involves stamping a raised pattern onto the tinplate before coating. These raised areas increase the coating thickness when manufacturers apply subsequent coats, creating a slightly textured surface that resists surface scratches more effectively. When users handle or rub black tin cans against other objects, the slight wear and tear usually only affects the raised parts of the coating.

Another option is to apply a soft-touch matte varnish or silicone-based coating over the primer. This micro-textured coating offers a luxurious feel and effectively conceals fingerprints, minor scratches, and surface oils. The thickness of the soft-touch coating typically ranges from 5 to 10 microns. The black tin cans treated with soft-touch coatings can maintain their matte beauty even after long-term use in the cosmetics retail environment. By combining surface treatment processes such as embossing, soft-touch finishes, and textured matte coatings, black tin cans can also achieve a unique combination of beauty and scratch resistance.

Rigorous testing and quality control

First, the abrasion resistance test evaluates the ability of black tin cans to withstand repeated friction. In the Taber Abraser, a weighted abrasive wheel rotates over the can surface a specified number of times. At the end of the test, inspectors measure the coating thickness loss (ideally less than 5 microns) to ensure that the tinplate underneath remains protected.

Next, the impact resistance evaluation verifies that the coating and tinplate materials can withstand minor impacts without chipping or cracking. If the effect does not produce visible cracks, peeling or noticeable dents, the tinplate can pass the test. This ensures that the black tin cans remain intact during shipping or minor drops, thereby protecting the contents’ appearance and maintaining the container’s aesthetics.

In addition to mechanical testing, we perform accelerated aging tests that simulate prolonged exposure to heat, humidity and UV light. For example, testers may need to place a black can in a humidity chamber at 85% relative humidity and 40°C for 1,000 hours. The inspector then evaluates the coating for signs of blistering, delamination or fading. Finally, we perform a visual inspection under specific lighting conditions to assess color consistency, gloss, and the presence of defects, such as pinholes or foreign matter.

Provide a scratch-resistant surface for cosmetics.

When adding a scratch-resistant surface to black tin cans, we use tinplate coated with a corrosion-resistant coating and use advanced powder coating, UV lacquer and special surface treatment technology to achieve a durable black surface. At the same time, we can also use embossing, soft-touch textures, and other technologies to enhance the jar’s durability and appearance, prevent further tearing, and ensure that skincare tins, solid perfume jars, and cosmetic samples maintain a flawless finish. In addition, they implement a rigorous testing program during the final production stage to assess abrasion resistance, conduct impact testing, and perform accelerated aging tests, ensuring each batch of black tin cans meets industry-leading standards for scratch resistance and visual durability.