Color Variations in Anodized Poles

Anodizing a flagpole is great for durability, weather resistance, corrosion resistance and it does not flake or peel off. However, it will never provide the uniform, consistent color that a painted finish will provide.

Color variations have always been part of the anodizing process. Many factors change the color of an anodized finish. These factors can even occur in a single piece pole! Cold working the pole such as tapering, changes in the size, mass or diameter and changes in material composition like welded areas, will all result in color variations in an anodized flagpole.

A good comparison to anodizing flagpoles is toasting bread. The longer you leave it in, the darker it will get, but like toast, it will not turn a perfect, consistent, uniform color. Under certain conditions such as multiple welds or profile tapering, the color variation can be stark and drastic. Nothing can be done to prevent this from happening before, during or after the anodizing process.

We are not trying to raise an absolute red flag about anodized flagpole. We sell thousands of anodized flagpoles a year and maybe once every five years there is a circumstance where, because of the nature of the installation, any type of color variation just simply will not do.

In these cases, we suggest that you consider a painted pole or poles to provide you with a more consistent and uniform color. However, please keep in mind that an anodized flagpole has no match when it comes to durability, corrosion resistance and longevity of color.

If you need pricing on a flagpole please contact your sales representative and they will be more than happy to quote to your specific needs.