Anodizing is really a form of thin paint. I have chromated an engine and it seems good to me. There is a gold or clear. Clear is the same process, but not left in quite as long in the tank for the final dip. It is used on a lot of military spec stuff. It prevents the black from rubbing on your fingers, and allows paint to stick. I did a fair bit of chromating at work. It used to be done by lower pay grade people until they were all laid off, then they thought it would be cheaper to send it out, as the chemical disposal fee was crazy expensive. Well then all the workers were too expensive? Common story. Six Sigma, Japanese ideas, low hanging fruit.....