Colors obtained through dying are not as consistent as those obtained through powder coating or paint. Creating consistency in color and color matching is extremely difficult due to all the variables in the anodizing process (see more on this topic on the color anodizing page of Alpha’s website). 

The colors produced by the anodizing process are subtractive, not additive, as in paint systems. The anodized film transmits light to the substrate and is reflected back through the film. In short, it acts as a filter rather than a reflector as in a paint system.

In addition to the dye, anodized color appearance is influenced by alloy, surface finish (specularity), anodizing bath temperature, time, and constituents. Thus, getting colors to match from order to order is extremely difficult. We recommend establishing a color range (light, medium, to dark) that is acceptable and processing orders together as much as possible to minimize variation.