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Originally Posted by chefwong
Not all anodizing I've only seen the textured look on anozided aluminum items.
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Huh?
What are you talking about by "textured"? Do you mean like a crackle finish? Anodize doesn't do that. There are 3 types of anodize (Types I, II, and III). These are all formations of oxide (aluminum oxide) on the outside of the part (as well as some penetration into the metal).
Type I is chromic acid and is extremely thin, like 60 millionths to .0001. It adds no texture, although depending on the form of the aluminum and the surface finish, you may see some grain (yes, much aluminum has grain like wood, since it is extruded and therefore has a longitudinal or grain direction). It is usually a distinctive gray color, although when it is very thin it is more of a tan or gold.
Type II is a sulfuric acid process which is also very thin, .0002 usually, and also will not give any texture. This is usually a "clear" process, which can be easily dyed in various colors, so if you see bright colors, it's generally Type II.
Type III is a thick, low-temperature sulfuric process, which creates nominally a .002 thick coating, but can be made thicker for repairs, depending on the alloy. Type III when very thick can develop a crazed or mottled appearance...I suppose you could call it "textured". Type III is usually used for wear resistance, where it would replace a chrome plating, because it is "sapphire hard". Type III takes on a distinctive color depending on alloy, ranging from olive drab to gray to black.
All that said, the anodize will follow the texture of the aluminum substrate. Are you possibly remembering a part that may have been engine turned, sand blasted, etc. to provide a texture?
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