Clear anodizing is typically a sulfuric acid anodizing process, and as a result, offers better wear resistance than chromic acid anodizing and comparable corrosion resistance. Used in a variety of applications, clear anodizing benefits diverse industries including: architecture, for use in window and door frames, railings and siding; automotive, for use in trim and housings for various exposed parts; printing, for use as commercial photolithography plates; and industrial manufacturing, for sheet metal and various extrusions such as profiles and cases for additional surface protection. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Plouse Precision Manufacturing
Highspire, PA | 717-558-8530Plouse Precision Manufacturing is a contract manufacturing facility serving clients globally from our plant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Proudly made in the U.S.A., parts from Plouse Precision Manufacturing are second to none. Plouse offers anodizing and plating services to improve product quality and durability. When precision matters, trust Plouse Precision Manufacturing.

Anoplate Corporation
Syracuse, NY | 315-471-6143For over 40 years, Anoplate Corporation has offered high-quality metal finishing services—titanium and aluminum anodizing; anodizing of components; electroless nickel PTFE finishing; plus impregnating services. Our anodizing processes include chromic, sulfuric and hard coat anodizing.

Tompkins Metal Finishing, Inc.
Batavia, NY | 800-234-2116At Tompkins Metal Finishing, we offer mid to high volume aluminum anodizing. We do pre-cleaning, etching, deoxidizng, dyeing and sealing. We can achieve a wide range of surface finishes from bright to dull matte in clear, black, gold, blue and red. Other methods are also available with consideration of alloy, coating thickness, masking requirements and racking instructions.

Quality Coatings, LLC
Spokane, WA | 509-922-1069Just how would you like your aluminum anodizing? At Quality Coatings, we offer color anodizing (camouflage, full color), clear anodizing, bright dip anodizing, hard coat anodizing, Tuffcoat™ (Teflon® impregnated), Flexicoat™ (bendable) or zinc anodizing for zinc die cast parts.

Dajcor Aluminum Ltd.
Chatham, ON, Chavies, KY | 877-556-9191Dajcor Aluminum is the leading Canadian supplier of extruded, fabricated/machined and anodized components and assemblies to the automotive, renewable energy, transportation, building trades, military, recreation, and consumer-product industries.

Clear Anodizing List
Additionally, clear anodizing can be colored by means such as organic dyes and metallic salts to create colors such as red, yellow, blue and green for decorative applications such as jewelry or artwork. Some further benefits of clear anodizing include decreased part maintenance, reduced metal weight, being environmentally-friendly and increased production efficiency.
The clear anodizing process is basically identical to the Type II sulfuric acid anodizing process. A commonly used anodizing process, Type II sulfuric acid requires the metal to be fully immersed into sulfuric acid, a highly corrosive and oil-like acid that is formed from sulfur dioxide. When the metal is immersed in the acid an electric current, generally direct current, is sent through the sulfuric acid and reacts with anodes on the surface of the material. The reaction of the current and the anodes creates the hard outer film of oxidation.
After the material is removed from the sulfuric acid bath, it is then sealed through the use of hot water in order to enhance the corrosion-resistant properties of the film. If a color is going to be added, then the dye or salt must be introduced after immersion in the sulfuric acid bath but before sealing, so that when sealed, the color will become locked in.
While the addition of color can be eye-catching, clear anodizing allows the natural luster of the metal to shine through. Although aluminum is the most common material used in clear anodizing, other metals may be anodized as well including: titanium, magnesium, zinc, niobium and tantalum.