Anodized aluminum color chart: Common colors and process implementation guide

Anodized aluminum, as an efficient metal surface treatment technology, forms a porous oxide film on the surface of the aluminum substrate through electrolytic oxidation. This process not only gives aluminum excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance, but also makes it a "color magician" in the fields of architectural decoration, electronic equipment, aerospace, etc. through diversified coloring technology.

This article will systematically analyze the mainstream colors that can be achieved by anodized aluminum, the corresponding process principles and application scenarios, and attach a detailed anodized aluminum color chart for reference.

1. Overview of anodized aluminum color system

Anodized aluminum generates a porous oxide film on the aluminum surface through an electrochemical oxidation process. Its color is essentially an optical phenomenon of the oxide film thickness, pore structure and colorant. According to the international standard ISO 2085-2018 "Anodizing of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys General Specification for Anodized Films", the color table can be divided into four major systems:

Color Type	Typical Color Code	Film Thickness (μm)	Weather Resistance	Recommended Applications
Natural Color	Transparent	0.5–10	5–10 years	Medical devices, optical components
Dye Coloring	Pantone 186 C	5–25	3–5 years	Mobile phone casings, furniture handles
Electrolytic Coloring	Pantone 877 C	10–30	10–15 years	Building curtain walls, automotive hubs
Micro-arc Oxidation	Pantone 3495 C	20–100	20+ years	Aerospace, special equipment

2. Analysis of the core coloring technology of anodized aluminum

(1) Dye coloring: the color game between organic and inorganic

Organic dyes: azo and anthraquinone dyes are embedded into the pores of the oxide film through adsorption. Typical colors include Pantone's 2022 annual representative color Very Peri (17-3938).

Inorganic dyes: using metal salt deposition (such as cobalt salts for blue and copper salts for red), the weather resistance is increased by more than 3 times and is often used for outdoor signboards.

Technical parameters:

Dye concentration: 5-20g/L

Dyeing temperature: 40-60℃

Dyeing time: 5-30 minutes

Typical case: Apple MacBook Pro Space Gray (Pantone 430 C) uses a mixed dye process.

(2) Electrolytic coloring: the art of electrodeposition of metal ions

Single salt system: nickel salt (champagne), tin salt (bronze), typical colors include Pantone 8325 C.

Dual salt system: nickel-tin mixture (black), nickel-cobalt mixture (dark gray), corrosion resistance is improved to more than 1500 hours in salt spray test.

Process control:

Voltage: 8-20V

Current density: 1-3A/dm²

Deposition time: 10-60 minutes

(3) Micro-arc oxidation: nano-scale ceramic color

Plasma discharge: high voltage pulses are applied to the electrolyte to generate a ceramic film with a thickness of 100μm, such as Pantone 3495 C (military green).

Compound coloring: dynamic color change is achieved through rare earth element doping, such as the newly developed pH-responsive micro-arc oxidation film, which presents different colors in acid and alkali environments.

Technical breakthrough:

Hardness: HV800-1200

Heat resistance: >600℃

3. Anodized aluminum color table: detailed explanation of color, process and application

Anodized aluminum is highly dyeable. It is available in a variety of colors, including blue, red, green, black, silver, gold, yellow, copper, pink, orange and purple. You can learn more about it through our website, and we will help you choose according to the actual application and specific needs.

Color Category	Typical Colors	Main Coloring Processes	International Color Code	Film Thickness Range	Wear Resistance (HV)	Typical Application Scenarios
Blue Series	Sky Blue, Sapphire Blue	Dye Coloring / Electrolytic Coloring	Pantone 300 C	5-25μm	150-300	Mobile Phone Frames, Bathroom Hardware, Aerospace Components
Red Series	True Red, Rose Red	Dye Coloring	Pantone 186 C	5-20μm	120-250	Cosmetic Packaging, Automotive Interiors, Decorative Strips
Green Series	Grass Green, Military Green	Dye Coloring / Micro-arc Oxidation	Pantone 3495 C	10-100μm	800-1200	Outdoor Furniture, Medical Equipment, Aerospace Vehicles
Black Series	Pure Black, Gunmetal Black	Dye Coloring / Electrolytic Coloring	Pantone Black 6 C	8-30μm	200-500	Electronic Device Housings, Watch Straps, Automotive Wheels
Silver Series	Natural Silver, Matte Silver	Natural Oxidation / Electrolytic Coloring	Pantone 877 C	0.5-20μm	80-200	Medical Devices, Kitchen Utensils, Building Curtain Walls
Gold Series	Champagne Gold, Bronze Gold	Electrolytic Coloring / Composite Coloring	Pantone 8325 C	10-30μm	250-400	Architectural Decoration, High-End Furniture, Automotive Trim
Yellow Series	Lemon Yellow, Golden Yellow	Dye Coloring / Electrolytic Coloring	Pantone 116 C	5-25μm	100-220	Luggage Accessories, Lamp Housings, Signage
Copper Series	Bronze, Red Copper	Electrolytic Coloring / Chemical Coloring	RAL 8019	10-25μm	200-350	Antique Decorations, Outdoor Sculptures, Metal Crafts
Pink Series	Light Pink, Peach Pink	Dye Coloring	Pantone 217 C	5-15μm	100-180	Female-oriented Electronics, Jewelry Accessories, Stationery
Orange Series	Tangerine Orange, Coral Orange	Dye Coloring	Pantone 165 C	5-20μm	120-250	Sports Equipment, Children’s Products, Warning Signs
Purple Series	Light Purple, Deep Purple	Dye Coloring / Composite Coloring	Pantone 2685 C	8-25μm	150-300	High-End Ornaments, Art Installations, Limited Edition Electronics

4. Summary

Control color parameters and release the beauty of metal - make every inch of aluminum oxide a work of art. Take this anodized aluminum color chart and choose the right appearance for your aluminum parts.