Anodizing techniques for providing highly opaque colorized anodic films are described. According to some embodiments, the methods involve depositing a pigment having a particle diameter of about 20 nanometers or greater into an anodic film. Additionally or alternatively, a barrier layer smoothing operation is used to flatten an interface between the anodic film and underlying metal substrate so as to maximize light reflection off the interface, thereby maximizing light reflected off the pigment that is deposited within pores of the anodic film. The resulting anodic films have an opaque or saturated colored appearance. In some embodiments, the methods involve increasing a thickness of a non-porous barrier layer of the anodic film so as to create thin film interference effects that can add a particular hue to the anodic film. The methods can be used form cosmetically appealing coatings for consumer products, such as housings for electronic products.