Definition: Aluminium is the British spelling of the metallic element more commonly referred to as aluminum in American English. It is a soft, lightweight, silvery-white metal known for its corrosion resistance and versatility in construction, industrial, and decorative applications-including picture frame moulding.

Overview

First isolated in the early 19th century, aluminium quickly became one of the most widely used metals in the world. Its spelling differs by region: "aluminium" is standard in the UK, while "aluminum" is the accepted American form. Despite this variation, both terms refer to the same chemical element, symbolized as Al on the periodic table.

Applications in Framing

Metal Frames: Extruded aluminium is a popular material for metal mouldings because of its light weight, structural stability, and clean modern profile.
Custom Fabrication: Full-length aluminium mouldings are cut and joined to form frames that are strong yet minimalistic, often chosen for photography, modern art, and commercial settings.
Components: Aluminium is also used in hardware, corner reinforcements, and hanging systems, as it combines strength with low weight.

Conservation Considerations

Unlike wood mouldings, aluminium frames do not warp, swell, or absorb atmospheric moisture. This dimensional stability makes them excellent for archival framing when combined with appropriate glazing, acid-free mats, and mounting boards. However, bare aluminium can oxidize over time, so it is typically anodized, painted, or powder-coated to preserve appearance and prevent surface degradation.

Comparison with Other Frame Materials

Aluminium vs. Wood: Aluminium frames are lighter, more resistant to environmental shifts, and easier to mass-produce with consistent finishes, while wood offers warmth, texture, and traditional appeal.
Aluminium vs. Steel: Aluminium is far lighter and easier to cut than steel, though not as hard or dense. Steel is rarely used in picture framing due to weight and corrosion concerns.

Common Misconceptions

"Aluminium is weaker than wood." Not necessarily-extruded aluminium can actually provide superior long-term stability, particularly for large-scale works.
"Aluminium frames can't look decorative." False-modern finishing techniques allow aluminium mouldings to mimic wood tones, metallics, or bold colors while retaining structural advantages.

Aluminium