Aluminum is a wonderful product for dog crates. It is strong, lightweight, cool, non-absorbent, and will not rust. Despite the obvious advantages of aluminum over plastic and wood dog crates it’s a well known fact that if left unprotected aluminum will tarnish and oxidize and the residue will rub off on your dog and your clothing. 

Anodizing is a chemical electrical process in which the raw aluminum is treated to eliminate oxidation and thus eliminate residue. The aluminum is placed in a tank of chemicals and dye and electrically charged for a period of time. This causes the dye to be permanently instilled into the metal. 

The result is a harder finish that does not add any weight to the crate, will look new year after year, and will never rub, chip or peel off. 

Anodizing has been utilized commercially for many years in aluminum products that come in contact with moisture such as airline materials and components, shower door and window trim, garden equipment, and marine equipment and is regarded as the industry standard to protect aluminum. 

Some have tried to powdercoat the aluminum to prevent residue. Powdercoating is a process in which the metal is painted and the surface is baked. Powdercoating by its very nature and the nature of the aluminum will chip and peel off with normal use, including exposure to moisture, and will add to the overall weight of the crate. 

In the past unanodized aluminum crates were painted on the inside to prevent the residue from rubbing off on your dog but in time this wore off and you were down to the raw aluminum. 

Make no mistake that anodizing is the most superior method to treat
and protect the aluminum for your high quality investment.