A black radial heat sink photographed close-up, with fine highlights along its cooling fins
Thermal hardware / BlackIllustrative finish study
Slickote / Surface engineering

Dry Lube Coatings

ThermKote 100Z

Graphite-based protection for heat-generating hardware.

Slickote ThermKote 100Z coating can, packaging illustration
Packaging illustration

Available finishes

  • Semi Gloss Black
  • Low Gloss Black

Colors are representative.

Product information

What ThermKote 100Z does

ThermKote 100Z uses graphite and carbon black in a resin-bonded film to move heat out of hardware instead of trapping it. The coating dissipates heat without outgassing — which is why lighting manufacturers use it inside sealed fixtures to shed heat and eliminate fogging when the fixture runs hot.

Technical specifications

ThermKote 100Z technical specifications
Product classSolid film lubricant
Pigment systemGraphite + carbon black
VOC (coating)0 lbs/gal · AQMD Rule 1124
SubstrateSealed or unsealed anodized aluminum and other metals

Source: Slickote product information and safety data sheets.

Applications & coating system

Sealed lighting fixtures and metal housings where heat dissipation and outgassing matter.

It resists thermal shock, including cold rain striking hot fixtures, and carries the family traits of Slickote solid films: corrosion protection, chemical and solvent resistance, impact resistance, and a decorative lubricating finish with a black-anodized appearance on aluminum castings.

Per its 2025 safety data sheet, the coating carries 0 lbs/gal VOC under AQMD Rule 1124.

ThermKote 100Z and AnoCeramic

ThermKote uses graphite and carbon black for thermal applications. AnoCeramic is the alternative to discuss when electrical insulation is a requirement.

Specification requirements

The 0 lbs/gal VOC value is reported in the 2025 SDS under AQMD Rule 1124. Thermal performance depends on the assembly and application conditions.

Confirm before application

  • Cure schedule and film thickness
  • Service temperature and thermal performance
  • Outgassing requirements for the assembly

ThermKote 100Z application examples

Illustrations identify the metal surface, finish and coating function.

Low Gloss Black coating on finned luminaire housing — illustrative THERMKOTE-100Z application

Sealed lighting fixtures

Surface
Aluminum casting
Finish
Low Gloss Black

ThermKote 100Z is used inside sealed lighting fixtures to dissipate heat without outgassing that can fog lenses. The black film follows the housing’s fins and cast detail.

Realistic black-coated outdoor LED floodlight with a clear lens, rear cooling fins and mounting yoke — illustrative ThermKote 100Z application

Outdoor LED lighting

Surface
Cast aluminum housing
Finish
Low Gloss Black

ThermKote 100Z combines thermal shock resistance with corrosion, chemical and impact protection on the metal housing, fins and mounting hardware.

Black-coated fanless industrial computer enclosure with recognizable front ports and cooling fins — illustrative ThermKote 100Z application

Finned electronics enclosures

Surface
Aluminum enclosure
Finish
Low Gloss Black

The graphite-based film is used on metal housings where heat dissipation and a protective finish are required. Electronics, ports and other uncoated parts are shown for context.

Working surface: Metal housing and fins; lenses, ports and electronics are surrounding context. Illustrative applications and representative finishes. Confirm the substrate, preparation, and service requirements with Slickote before specifying a coating.

Safety data sheets

Download the PDF for your finish. These documents cover handling, storage and safety.