Dear Max,
We are glad to answer your questions.
1. The black and white fittings both are metal electroplating. But the white one has one more nickel plated.
2. If you scratch and damage the plating, the plating will be peeled off.
But even if the brass core material is exposed to coolant fluid, it would not have much affection in the loop. The brass won't be stripped and carried around in the coolant. But the plating needs to be filtered and cleaned. If not, it will block in the water block or radiator.
3. After you clean the plating, the fitting is still useable.
In normal, the plating is not easy to peel off when you use the distilled water or our coolant as the liquid. Please do not use the coolant which has alcohol compounds. It will affect the plating and O-ring.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Best regards!
Lily Wong