Anodized Aluminum Sheet

Anodizing passes current through aluminum in an electrolyte, growing the metal’s own oxide film into a far thicker, harder layer. The finish is converted from the surface of the metal, not applied to it.

Because it is integral, an anodized finish cannot chip, peel or flake the way paint can, and it is considerably harder than the aluminum beneath it — which is why it is specified where surfaces get touched and handled.

The oxide is porous as formed, which allows colour to be introduced before the surface is sealed. Clear anodizing keeps the metallic appearance; colour anodizing gives the bronze and black tones common in architectural work.

Anodized surfaces are unforgiving of fabrication damage, since the finish is present before forming and cannot be touched up. Colour consistency between production runs also needs to be considered on large elevations.