Clear and Dyed Anodize - Upstate Anodize

Clear & Dyed Anodize

Add corrosion protection and customizable finishes to your aluminum parts.

What is Clear & Dyed Anodize

Clear and dyed anodize enhances the durability, corrosion resistance, and appearance of aluminum components while maintaining dimensional stability. Upstate Anodize provides Type II anodize in both natural (clear) and dyed finishes, giving manufacturers the ability to protect aluminum parts while achieving consistent cosmetic results.

Because the coating becomes integrated with the aluminum surface, anodized finishes provide long-term performance in demanding industrial environments.

Benefits of Clear & Dyed Anodize

Corrosion Protection

The anodize oxide layer protects aluminum from oxidation and environmental exposure, extending the lifespan of parts used in industrial, commercial, and aerospace applications.

Improved Wear Resistance

Anodized aluminum surfaces are significantly harder than untreated aluminum. This added hardness improves durability and helps parts withstand abrasion and repeated handling.

Consistent Cosmetic Appearance

Clear anodize maintains the natural aluminum look, while dyed anodize allows manufacturers to achieve consistent color finishes across production runs.

Identification and Branding

Dyed anodize is often used for color coding components, differentiating assemblies, or meeting product design requirements.

Stable and Long-Lasting Finish

Unlike painted surfaces that can chip or peel, anodized finishes become part of the aluminum itself, providing long-term performance with minimal maintenance.

Clear vs Dyed Anodize

Clear anodize

Anodized oxide layer
.0002–.0006″ thickness
Focused on aluminum corrosion protection
Works for indoor + outdoor use
Can be dyed after (most versatile/popular)
MIL-DTL-5541 Type II Class 1&2
Other specifications available, please contact us.

Dyed anodize

0.0004”-0.001″ (Dyed)
Adds color for appearance
Still provides corrosion + abrasion resistance
Used when aesthetics matter
MIL-DTL-5541 Type II Class 1&2
Other specifications available, please contact us.

Need help choosing the right finish for your aluminum parts?

Our finishing specialists can help determine whether clear anodize, dyed anodize, chromate conversion, or hardcoat anodize is best for your application.

Why Manufacturers Choose Upstate Anodize

Working with a single finishing partner helps manufacturers streamline supply chains and maintain consistent quality across programs.

Upstate Anodize brings over 30 years of combined anodize experience, helping manufacturers select the right finish for performance, durability, and appearance.

Upstate focuses on process control and quality standards to ensure repeatable results across production runs, giving you the most reliable coating performance available.

Upstate provides responsive customer service and dependable delivery timelines, so we become a finishing partner you can rely on to maintain schedules and communicate clearly throughout the entire finishing process.

In addition to clear and dyed anodize, Upstate Anodize offers:

Chromate conversion coating
Type II anodize
Type III hardcoat anodize
Dyed hardcoat anodize
AnoMist finishing
Custom masking
Blasting services
Pickup and delivery in select regions

Need Clear or Dyed anodize for Aluminum Parts?

Send your specifications, drawings, and part quantities and our team will review your project.