The chemistry used to process the various alloys defines the type of coating generated. Aluminum can be anodized using sulfuric acid, chromic acid, boric acid, phosphoric acid, and combinations of the acids such as boric sulfuric. Titanium can be deposited using acid solutions or alkali solutions. The type of solution will define the characteristic of the deposit. Some anodize coatings are thin and colorless while others are thick and dark gray to black.

Each anodizing process is requires careful control of the electrolyte, temperature and applied current. The location of the applied electrical current will not have an anodize coating and will often require definition of appropriate contact location.