Method for depositing a metallic material on an aluminum alloy surface for galvanic displacement type deposition, electrodeposition or electroless deposition of a metallic film on the surface wherein the alloy surface is oxidized (e.g. anodized) to form aluminum oxide and the oxidized surface is etched to leave a partial thickness of a barier aluminum oxide on the alloy surface. The partial thickness of the barrier oxide is controlled by etching to form a porous, metallic particulate film for a thin barrier oxide, or a continuous metallic film for thicker barrier oxide. The metallic film then is electrodeposited or electroless deposited on the barrier film.