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What is anodization?

Anodization is an electrochemical process that turns the metal surface into a metal oxide layer, which protects the interior metal from oxidizing (or to cause some of the metal to corrode). 

For aluminum, the metal is submerged in a sulfuric acid bath and then exposed to an electric charge. This process creates a thick anodic oxide layer, which is also known as anodic aluminum oxide or AAO. This turns the surface into a thicker, corrosion-resistant outer layer that protects the aluminum metal and improves its wear resistance. 

What is Clear Anodized Aluminum? 

Clear Anodized Aluminum means the aluminum is anodized, but no color pigments were used before the sealant was applied. The term clear is used to describe the transparent nature of the anodized layer. 

This means it creates a subtle coating that enhances the aluminum’s natural, silvery finish. Compared to mill or unprocessed aluminum, clear anodized aluminum has a more transparent and shimmery appearance. 

Colorization vs. Clear Anodized Finish

Adding color to anodized aluminum is also possible. The anodic aluminum oxide is porous, which means the pores can be filled with colored pigment and seal them to lock in the colors directly to the metal. Due to its chemical bond, the anodized aluminum with color is more long-lasting and won’t chip or scratch, unlike paint finishing. 

Take a closer look at our Anodized options:

Sandblasted Matted Anodized

Brushed Anodized