Frequently asked
questions.

Titanium anodizing is an electrochemical process that grows a transparent oxide layer (TiO₂) on the surface of titanium. The thickness of that layer — controlled by voltage — determines which wavelengths of light are reflected, producing vivid, permanent color. No dyes, no paint, no coatings. The color is the material itself.

We specialize exclusively in titanium. We don't do aluminum, steel, or other metals — which means every bit of knowledge and process refinement we've developed is specific to Ti. We also treat every project as a genuine design collaboration, not a production job.

Mostly, yes — our specialties are bike frames, components, and accessories. However, we've occasionally worked on non-cycling Ti pieces (medical devices, jewelry, custom hardware). Reach out if you have something unusual.

Our studio is in Ames, Iowa. We work with customers nationwide — most ship their frames and components to us. If you're in the Ames area, local drop-off is available by appointment.

Almost any titanium part can be anodized. We work with commercially pure Ti (CP-Ti) and common alloys like Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) and Grade 9. Some highly alloyed titanium doesn't anodize as vividly. If you're unsure about your frame or components, contact us and we'll advise.

1) You submit a quote request. 2) We respond within 48 hours with pricing and any follow-up questions. 3) We do a design consultation to finalize colors, finish, and any custom details. 4) You ship your frame or parts to us. 5) We prep, anodize, finish, and quality check. 6) We ship it back, carefully packaged, with photos.

The anodizing step itself is relatively quick — a few hours for a simple single-color design, longer for multi-color or complex masking. The total turnaround time (4–6 weeks for frames) includes intake inspection, surface prep, anodizing, quality check, and return shipping scheduling.

For frame service, we need the bare frame — no fork, headset, bottom bracket, or other parts installed. Decals should be removed if possible. We handle all surface prep (cleaning, degreasing) from there. Don't worry about polishing or prep work — that's our job.

Yes — masking critical surfaces is a core part of our prep process. We mask headtube races, bottom bracket threads, dropout faces, and all other surfaces where dimensional tolerances matter. The oxide layer is extremely thin but we don't leave anything to chance.

Yes — for frame designs and larger commissions, we send before-and-after photos (and sometimes in-process photos) before shipping. We want you to see what we've created before it leaves our hands.

We have 10 standard colors in our palette, covering the full visible spectrum from copper through green. We can also produce colors between these standards by adjusting voltage precisely. For reference, see our color guide on the Science page.

Yes — multi-color designs are our specialty. We can create gradient fades between two colors, zone masking (different colors on different tube sections), Ti-dye speckle effects, and custom patterns. Multi-color designs start at $750 for frames.

We can work toward a target color, but exact color matching is difficult due to the nature of thin-film interference — perceived color shifts with lighting angle and conditions. We'll share reference swatches and photos from similar designs to set accurate expectations before you commit.

Polished: mirror-bright, high-reflectivity, maximum color saturation — but shows scratches. Best for show designs. Brushed: directional satin sheen, hides light scratches, elegant and versatile. Bead-blasted: uniform matte texture from glass beads, very scratch-resistant, understated luxury feel. Best for daily-use frames.

Yes — for example, polished main tubes with bead-blasted stays is a popular combination. This adds to the complexity and cost of the design, but the visual effect is exceptional. Discuss it during your design consultation.

Frame designs start at $500 for a single-color design, $750 for multi-color/fade, and $1,250 for full show designs. Final price depends on frame size, finish complexity, and any custom work. You'll get an exact quote before committing.

Yes — we require a 50% deposit before work begins. The remaining 50% is due before we ship your frame back. We accept major credit cards and bank transfer.

Yes — when bundling a frame design with component work, or sending 3+ components in a single order, we offer bundle discounts. Mention what you're planning when requesting a quote and we'll factor it in.

Yes, always. We won't charge for conversation, design advice, or color recommendations — even if you ultimately decide not to proceed. We'd rather earn your trust than nickel-and-dime you.

Ship to our studio address in Ames, Iowa (provided after booking). We recommend FedEx or UPS with full insurance for the replacement value of your frame. Use a rigid bike box with generous padding. Local drop-off by appointment is also available.

We return ship via FedEx with full insurance and signature required. Return shipping cost is included in your quote for domestic US orders. We package every frame with extreme care — custom foam, rigid outer box.

We can accept international shipments, but we don't currently offer outbound international shipping as a standard service. Contact us to discuss if you're outside the US — we've worked with international customers on a case-by-case basis.

If your frame arrives damaged from inbound shipping, we'll document it with photos immediately and contact you. We won't proceed until you're aware of the situation and we've agreed on a path forward. This is why we recommend insuring your frame for its full value.

Anodized titanium color is permanent under normal conditions. It won't fade from UV, wash out in rain, or peel. The only way to remove it is mechanical abrasion (scratching through the oxide layer). Properly cared for, it will outlast the frame.

Mild soap and water is all you need. A soft microfiber cloth works well for polished surfaces. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh chemical cleaners. Rinse thoroughly after muddy or wet rides and dry before storage.

The oxide layer can be scratched by sharp impacts or abrasive contact — just like bare titanium. Bead-blasted finishes are the most scratch-resistant. Polished finishes show scratches most readily. Normal use (riding, handling) won't damage the finish.

Not in the traditional sense — you can't touch up anodized color the way you'd touch up paint. However, scratched areas can be re-anodized if the scratch is isolated. Contact us if you have a significant scratch and we can advise on options.

Browse our shop for in-stock items. Add to cart and check out online. In-stock items ship within 3–5 business days. If you need to verify stock before ordering, email us at studio@tio2designs.com.

Yes — custom cage orders are available for all 10 standard colors (and blends). Turnaround is 2–3 weeks. Price is typically the same as in-stock items for single-color orders. Contact us with what you need.

In-stock products can be returned within 14 days if unused and in original condition. Custom orders are non-refundable (since they're made to order). See our full Return Policy for details.