Anodization process for coating of magnesium surfaces

A method of applying an anodic coating on at least a portion of a surface of a magnesium-containing article comprising:

• electrically connecting the article with a power source;
• absorbing a composition with an absorbent applicator, which is in contact with a cathode;
• supplying a voltage from the power source;
• and
• contacting the absorbent applicator with the article, wherein
• the composition comprises at least one alkali metal hydroxide, at least one alkali metal silicate, at least one alkali metal fluoride, and hydrogen peroxide.

A method of applying an anodic coating on at least a portion of a surface of an article, the article including a magnesium-containing portion and a dissimilar metal or metals attached to the magnesium-containing portion, the method comprising:

• electrically connecting the article with a power source;
• absorbing a composition with an absorbent applicator, which is in contact with a cathode;
• supplying a voltage from the power source;
• and
• contacting the absorbent applicator with the article, wherein
• the composition comprises:
• at least one alkali metal hydroxide having a concentration of about 0.5 M to about 5 M;
• at least one alkali metal silicate having a concentration of about 50 g/L to about 440 g/L;
• at least one alkali metal fluoride having a concentration of about 0.01 M to about 0.5 M;
• and
• hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of about 0.2 M to about 3.0 M.