[MIL-M-45202]

Coatings range from thin clear to light gray-green, to thick dark green coatings. The clear coatings are used a base for subsequent clear lacquers or paints to produce a final appearance similar to clear anodizing on aluminum.
The light gray-green coatings are used in most applications which are to be painted. The thick, dark green coating offers best combination of abrasion resistance, protective value and paint base characteristics.
The HAE anodic finish is probably the hardest coating available for magnesium. They exhibit stability at high temperatures and good dielectric strength. Excellent paint base. Requires resin seal or paint for maximum corrosion protection.

Type I: Light coating.

Class A: (.0002" ) Tan coating (HAE)

Grade 1: Without post treatment (dyed).

Grade 2: (.0003") With bifluoride-dichromate post treatment

Class C: Light green coating (Dow #17)

Type II: Heavy coating

Class A: (.0015") Hard brown coating (HAE)

Grade 1: Without post treatment

Grade 3: With bifluoride-dichromate post treatment

Grade 4: With bifluoride-dichromate post treatment including moistheat aging.

Grade 5: With double application of bifluoride-dichromate post treatment including moist heat aging.

Class D: (.0012") Dark green coating (Dow #17)