In this guide
Quick answer: the best black commercial door closer is a Grade 1 model with a matte powder-coated finish, a matching arm and adjustable spring power. Choose a heavier cast iron model if the door takes abuse.
Black used to be a slow special order. Today it is one of the most requested finishes for commercial doors, and for good reason: it blends with dark frames, handles and lever sets, and it does not show dirt the way lighter finishes can.
Where a black closer works best
- Dark storefronts: black and dark bronze aluminum systems.
- Modern interiors: black steel frames and matte black lever sets.
- Restaurants and bars: dark entries where a silver closer stands out.
- Historic or industrial buildings: black iron-style doors.
How to compare black commercial closers
| DN-8220 Black | DN-9500 Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most commercial doors | Abused or exposed doors |
| Grade | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 |
| Finish | Matte black | Matte black powder coat |
| Body | Lighter build | Cast iron, steel arm |
| Rated door weight | 44 to 440 lbs | Up to 440 lbs |
| Fire listing | UL 3-hour | UL 3-hour |
Getting the look right
A black closer on a pale door is more visible than a silver one, so consider the whole door. If your frame is dark, then black is the obvious pick. If it is clear aluminum, stay with silver. See black vs silver vs bronze for a fuller comparison.
On a storefront, also consider mounting. A glass storefront door usually needs a particular arm and mounting method, whatever the color.
Caring for a black finish
- Clean with mild soap and water, not abrasive pads.
- Touch up chips before rust gets started on an iron body.
- Use the supplied black screws and cover so that everything matches.
Need more strength? Read about matte black heavy duty door closers.
See the black DRIWON DN-8220 on Amazon →
Matte, satin or gloss?
Most commercial black closers are matte or close to it. Matte hides fingerprints, and it does not show light reflections on an uneven surface. Satin finishes look richer up close, but they may show smudges. High gloss is rare on closers. If you are pairing a closer with existing hardware, compare it with a sample in daylight, because black coatings can look brown or gray under different lights.
A storefront checklist
- Does the top rail have enough room? If not, see glass storefront doors.
- Does the door swing out? A parallel arm keeps the closer inside.
- Are the screws and arm also black?
- Does the cover fit your space?
- Is the entrance ADA-compliant after setup?
- Is the door rated? Then a UL listing is needed.
Installing without scuffing the finish
Black shows every scratch. Tape the template over the door rather than marking directly on the finish. Protect the body from tools while tightening the screws, and use a properly sized driver. Keep the valves covered if they are on an exposed end, and put the cover on last, after adjusting. If you need to rest the closer down during the job, put it on a piece of cardboard.
Who buys black closers?
Black is a popular choice for shop fit-outs, salons, coffee shops, offices with black aluminum partitions, and homes with modern steel-and-glass entries. The DN-8220's listing also mentions interior residential doors, so a black closer can work at home as well. Check that the closer's size is not too much for the room. A commercial closer is large, and it will be noticeable on a home door.
What about price?
Black used to be a surcharge item. At the time of writing, the DRIWON black models cost the same as silver on the official store: $139.99 for the DN-8220 and $169.99 for the DN-9500, before promotional codes. Check current pricing before you order, and buy all the units for a project in one go.
Frequently asked questions
Is a matte black door closer good for a storefront?
Can I paint a silver door closer black?
Which is better for black doors, the DN-8220 or the DN-9500?
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