Seen quite a few black but they came zinc plated, as it dulls over the years I think people paint them to protect them. There are 2 different types as well, round and flat, 500 was round, some 550s are flat. The round looks much better IMO. I also went with chrome, needs to be removed every year though or it will rust in places you can't get to when it's in situ. Also check the drain holes are clear on the round version, or condensation will rot it from the inside out. I inject zinc paint down mine and hang it up to drain out.