Abstract: A method, a composition and a method for making the composition for anodizing metal surfaces, especially magnesium surfaces is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including hydroxylamine, phosphate anions and nonionic surfactants. A complementary method, composition and method for making the composition for rendering an anodized metal surface, especially a magnesium surface, conductive is disclosed. The composition is a basic aqueous solution including bivalent nickel, pyrophosphate anions, sodium hypophosphite and either ammonium thiocyanate or lead nitrate.