Anodized aluminummmmm

Hey guys I`m building a t-top for my boat I`m using bright dipped anodized aluminum tubing.What advice tips and techeques work best.I have some welding back ground.I noticed that the commercial tops the welds are very shinny and mine are a bit dull. Do they have a secrete method or are they painting after wards??
thanks in advance

 

[MikeMilburn]

Anodizing is an electrochemical coating, what you're doing by welding the aluminum after its anodized is in effect removing the anodized coating. It surprises me that you are able to get any kind of a good looking weld by not grinding the finish away first.
I have sprayed a clear laquer over a repaired weld area but it won't last very long, especially around water, less if salt water.
Did you consider fabricating the top first and then getting it anodized? Keep in mind, to get the correct color match you have to use the correct filler material. Also, watch where your grounds are, any arcing either by striking the arc in the wrong place or a bad ground will show thru a lot more after anodizing, depending on the color...Mike