Methods of preparing metal and metal alloys with partially microcrystalline anodic coatings are disclosed. Associated article therefrom are correspondingly disclosed. The partially microcrystalline anodic coatings exhibit fade and pattern removal resistance when subjected to sterilization processes. Partially microcrystalline anodic coating can be prepared by impregnation of micropores of a metal or metal substrate with metal precursor species, conversion of the metal precursor species into metal hydroxides, and one or more additional treatments to promote phase transformation of the metal hydroxide product into metal oxides solids and bonding with metastable metal oxide substance in the pore structure of the metal or metal alloy substrate.