PVD & Plated Body Piercing Jewelry, Is It Safe? Body Piercing Basics EP 121

2 October 2021 / Comments

In the 121st episode of DaVo's YouTube series Body Piercing Basics, DaVo goes in-depth into whether PVD-coated, plated, and Black Jewelry is safe. This video explains what PVD and plating are, as well as the risks associated with wearing black jewelry.

This Video will premier on Saturday, October 2nd, 2021, at 2 pm CST.

Show Notes:

What is PVD Plating?

Physical Vapor Deposition is a vacuum coating that creates a thin-film coating. This is done by vaporizing the material and causing it to bond atom to atom bases to the base metal. You are blasting the material into the base metal, starting with a layer of Titanium nitride and a thinner layer of the surface material.

PVD coating has numerous industrial applications, ranging from tools to medical equipment, and Titanium Nitride is considered biocompatible.

With plating, a thin layer of metal is added to the original material by dipping the base metal into the plating material. Unlike PVD, where a more molecular bond is formed, plating is less durable. While plating can appear to look better, the PVD is more resistant to wear, scratches, and won’t chip the way plating will. Additionally, because PVD is performed in a Vacuum environment, there is a lower likelihood of contaminants.

Why would you want PVD-plated jewelry?

  • Affordability
  • Black (issues)(can’t get Black with Anodizing

Anodized Vs PVD

  • Anodizing only adds a thin layer with all the properties of the base material. So it is more biocompatible than PVD.

  • You can not anodize Ti Black or Red. Niobium can be, but it usually creates a very rough surface and wouldn’t be acceptable for fresh piercings.

  • PVD adds Titanium and the coating material. Making it suspect whether it is still biocompatible.
  • With high-karat gold, there is a very limited risk of allergic reactions, unless the person is allergic to gold or it contains a gold alloy.

What are the different types of plated Body Piercing Jewelry?

  1. 24kt PVD over Ti
  2. Black PVD over Ti
  3. gold over SSS
  4. Ti over SSS
  5. Rubber over SSS

What about Black Titanium?

The biggest issue is the limited information on what they are using for coloring or third-party verification of compatibility. Often it is only listed as a “coloring agent” and in some cases, it's said to be graphite-based. Usually, the suggestion is that it shouldn’t be pierced with.

Should and when should it be avoided?

  1. If is plating over SSS. It is usually a sign that it is not implant grade or lower quality sss
  2. If there is no third-party verification of the base alloy.
  3. If the piercing in the area is going to be subjected to a lot of wear (like the mouth) or is in contact with bodily fluids, such as in genital piercings. Especially with black.
  4. Black Titanium or stainless steel should only be used in healed piercings and should be avoided if you are sensitive to metal.
  5. If it is from a low-end manufacturer or supplier, the black may not be PVD but could be either rubber-coated or painted. Both could be dangerous.
  6. Black Gold is rhodium plating over white gold, which has poor durability. Often, instead of wearing off, it flakes off and then collects, causing damage to the piercing.

If you have a question you would like to see covered in a future video, please comment or contact DaVo at davo@axiompiercing.com.

I, also known as DaVo, have been a professional body piercer and the owner of Axiom Body Piercing Studio in Des Moines, Iowa, since 1994. My focus on education and helping clients make informed decisions about getting pierced has always been a significant part of my business practices and services. With my website and increasingly on YouTube, I hope to expand and inform others outside of my small part of the world. I always welcome questions and comments, so if you have one, please don't hesitate to share.

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All images used are used in the spirit of Fair Uses. If you are the photographer, piercer, or owner of the piercing and would like to be credited, please contact DaVo at davo@axiompiercing.com

The links below are affiliate links, and a portion of the proceeds will go to DaVo, the Axiom, and Body Piercing & Tattooing Staff.

Suggested Aftercare Products:

  • For Premixed Saline, DaVo suggests. NeilMed Neil Cleanse Wound Wash First-Aid Sterile Saline Solution 6 fl oz Each - https://amzn.to/2lgrfL7
  • Band-Aid Brand First Aid Products Tru-Absorb Gauze Sponges for Cleaning Wounds, 4 in x 4 in, 50 ct - https://amzn.to/2Q1nrcm

All footage was filmed using a Canon EOS 80D Camera with the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens - https://amzn.to/3bb5PV4 and Canon EOS R  - https://amzn.to/386Y1BZ with Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens - https://amzn.to/3jkvptO

Audio - Recorded with Shure MV7 - https://amzn.to/39fKKbS with a Tascam DR-40x - https://amzn.to/2Lw67O8

For more information on DaVo and the Axiom Body Piercing Studio, go to https://axiompiercing.com

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Contact DaVo at davo@axiompiercing.com or by phone at 515-262-5989
If you would like to set up a Piercing Appointment, go to https://facebook.com/axiompiercing and click on the "Book Now" button.

Skin Kitchen Tattoo and The Axiom Body Piercing Studio are located at 3800 Douglas Ave./Des Moines, Iowa 50311
Tattoo hours are Thursday - Monday 1-8 pm
Piercing hours are Thursday - Monday 2-8 pm

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