Anodising is an electroplating process, not dipping as such. the concept is plating a pure aluminium onto the base alloy, there is no "clear" anodising but a natural aluminium appearance, colouring is achieved as the part is dipped into dye (colour) of the customers choice (the depth and intensity of the colour varies depending on how long the part is left in the dye) the part is then sealed with a commercial water based sealer although this is not entirely necessary. The principal of anodising is a protective coating ie; Pure Aluminium has a low structural strength, but it does however have a high corrosion resistance. The alloy is protected by galvanic action, as the coating is anodic to the alloy. The Aluminium alloy composition increases strength by bonding Aluminium with the alloying agents in the atomic lattice, enhancing slip resistance within the structure. Pure Aluminium has is often alloyed with other elements to increase its strength and hardness.Aluminium alloy is particularly susceptible to inter-granular, general/pitting, exfoliation and stress corrosion. This is due to electrochemical differences that exist between the precipitates (inter-metallic compounds) and the bulk alloy, creating anodic and cathodic areas. Once an electrolyte, such as water, comes into contact with the alloy, the corrosion process will begin. In short a clear coat of lacquer over a natural anodised finish will appear the same as OEM finish
