Method to apply color coatings on alloys

In example implementations, a method for coloring an alloy is provided. The method includes anodizing a substrate in an anodizing bath comprising phosphoric acid, at a constant temperature and a constant voltage for a first time period to develop an anodizing layer that includes a barrier layer, reducing the constant voltage applied to the anodizing bath for a second time period to change a thickness of the barrier layer and change a width of pores in the anodizing layer, plating the substrate in a plating bath at a first current that is increased over a third time period in accordance with a current profile of the plating bath, and plating the substrate in the plating bath at a second current for a fourth time period.