Abstract: Metal surfaces treated with non-conductive metal oxides having enhanced non-conductive characteristics are disclosed. Durability and bond strength to polymer and metal surfaces is improved relative to non-treated metal surfaces. Methods of using metal surfaces with at least one non-conductive metal oxide coating in marine and under water applications are also described wherein cathodic delamination at the metal surface and a polymer is reduced, thus increasing the relative useful life of devices whose metal surfaces have been so treated. Methods for increasing bond strength and adhesiveness between metal surfaces wherein the metal surface is treated to include a metal oxide coat, such as a mixture of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide, are also described. The non-conductive metal oxide, or other non-conductive metal nitrides, carbides, borides or fluorides, coatings include at least about 20% to about 100% of the non-conductive metal oxide.