Aluminum Products
Anodized Aluminum
Anodized aluminum is aluminum sheet that’s been electrochemically treated to grow a protective oxide layer straight out of the metal itself, rather than coated with paint. Wieland-Wrisco anodizes using a continuous coil process, not batch anodizing, which gives a consistent color from start to finish and edge to edge of every sheet.
How is anodized aluminum different from painted aluminum?
Anodizing is an electrochemical process, not a coating. It grows an anodic layer from the aluminum substrate itself, so there’s no separate paint film to chip, peel, or flake off. Anodized aluminum is also more abrasion resistant than most painted finishes and holds fingerprints less than other metals.
What colors and finishes does Wieland-Wrisco offer in anodized aluminum?
Clear, bronze, gold, and black are the most popular finishes and are kept in stock, ready to ship. Bright Anodized Finishes use additional brightening treatments to maximize a sheet’s reflectivity, which suits exterior, fade-resistant applications where the finish needs to hold up long-term.
Is anodized aluminum sustainable?
Yes. The anodizing process is considered a “green” process from base material through to the finished sheet: it’s 100% recyclable and produces zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Process | Continuous coil anodizing (processed by Lorin Industries) |
| Stock colors | Clear, bronze, gold, black |
| Corrosion/abrasion resistance | High; will not chip, peel, or flake |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable, zero VOC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does anodized aluminum fade in the sun?
Anodized finishes are UV stable and hold their color longer than most painted finishes, which is why they’re a common choice for exterior and signage projects.
Is anodized aluminum heavier than painted aluminum?
No, anodizing doesn’t add meaningful weight since it’s a surface treatment of the same base aluminum sheet, not a separate coating layer.
How does anodized aluminum compare to stainless steel or copper?
Anodized aluminum is lighter than stainless steel or copper while still holding up to corrosion and abrasion, and it can be finished to mimic the look of other metals.
Is anodized aluminum a good choice for signage?
Yes. It’s cost-effective, long-lasting, and bonds well with paints, inks, substrates, and vinyl film, which makes it a preferred base for signage projects.
