Texmateria
Aluminum
A lightweight silver metal that is softer and warmer in tone than stainless steel. Extrusions, anodized color, powder coating, and crisp thin profiles are common visual clues.
Common names
- aluminium
- anodized aluminum
- powder-coated aluminum
Search phrases
- light silver metal
- window frame metal
- matte aluminum frame
- anodized metal
Common uses
- Window and door frames
- Curtain wall mullions
- Louvers and screens
- Furniture legs
- Appliance trim
Choosing points
- Best for sash, panels, appliances, signs, and lightweight modern metal parts.
- Raw aluminum quickly forms a thin oxide layer, so it does not rust orange like steel.
- Anodizing gives a hard, metallic finish; powder coating gives a painted finish with more color options.
- It can dent more easily than steel, especially in thin sections.
How it ages
- Good outdoors, but coastal air, alkaline cleaners, and contact with dissimilar metals can cause staining or galvanic corrosion.
What to avoid
- Do not place raw aluminum against incompatible metals, alkaline concrete, or harsh cleaners without corrosion isolation.
