Use ion vapor deposition (IVD) to deposit aluminum onto the surface of stainless steel. In a vacuum environment, use an ion gun to bombard the stainless steel surface with ions of an inert gas in order to clean the surface. Next, use an ion gun to bombard the stainless steel surface with aluminum ions, until the surface is thoroughly coated with an aluminum film.
Prepare the bath for anodization. Pour 2M sulfuric acid into the bath, and connect it to a voltage charger that will provide between 40 and 100 V.
Set up the two-electrode system. Connect platinum sheets to the cathode, and connect aluminum-coated stainless steel to the anode. Oxide ions will accumulate at the anode when the voltage current is turned on, thus anodizing the plated stainless steel. The cathode will produce hydrogen ions and positive current to cancel out negative current produced at the anode.
Drop a magnetic stirring bar into the bath, and place it on top of a stir plate. Turn on the stir plate. Regular circulation of electrolyte will prevent preferential accumulation of oxides onto a particular area of the object, and will prevent any areas of the bath from overheating.
Turn on the current source, and immerse the two-electrode system in the bath. Keep bath temperature between 5 and 18 degrees Celsius to avoid dissolution of metal oxide layer. Leave the object in the bath for several minutes.