Ray asks: "Also I notice that when anodizing is discussed I always see Aluminum as the substrait. I was wondering if other metals can be anodized. I ask this because I own a classic Claude Butler frame that is 531 but looks to be anodized and I need to do some restoration on the rear triangle. Has anyone heard of steel alloy anodizing? Ray Homiski Elizabeth, NJ"
As I understand it, anodizing of aluminim is simply a controlled process of oxidation. It's rare that anyone has a controlled oxidation of steel, but when it happens, I think it's just called "rust". <grin> The mystery is why oxidized aluminum is so good, when oxidized steel is so bad.
The closest analog of anodizing for steel might just be chrome (or nickel) plating. It provides a hard, corrosion resistant layer that just happens to look nice too. There are some darker chrome plating methods that might be what your bike has. Got any pics to share?
good luck,
Steve Kurt
Peoria, IL