Abstract: A method of surface-treating a solid substrate (100, 200, 300) is disclosed as including the steps of (a) depositing a layer (102a, 202, 304) of aluminum-titanium alloy onto the substrate (100, 200, 300); and subsequently subjecting the substrate (100, 200, 300) to anodic oxidation. There is also disclosed an article including a solid substrate (100, 200, 300) and a matrix of aluminum oxide(s) and titanium oxide(s) thereon.