Abstract: A method for electrolytically coloring anodized aluminum and aluminum alloys in a reproducible manner so that they are of uniform color is provided. The anodized aluminum or aluminum alloy is anodically treated and then electrolytically colored in a solution capable of forming a barrier layer. Prior to the anodic treatment, the counterelectrodes are activated using a direct voltage of 2 to 9 volts between the counterelectrodes, as anodes, and auxiliary electrodes, as cathodes. The process includes the additional step, after anodic treatment and prior to coloring, of maintaining the aluminum or aluminum alloy for a currentless waiting time of from 0.5 to 5 minutes in the treatment solution.