L-shaped (angle) frame
A face of about 5 – 50 mm and a return leg that sits behind the glass. Simple, slim and used for framed bathroom mirrors bonded to a backing board.
Extrusion selection guide
Aluminium Profiles for Mirror Frames
Most aluminium mirror frames are extruded from 6063 for painted or matt finishes, or from 6463 when the frame must be bright-dipped to a chrome-like shine. This guide explains section types, glass-slot sizing, alloys, finishes and tolerances so that mirror and bathroom-furniture makers can specify the right profile. Metline supplies the extruded profiles and corner keys, cut and finished to order; it does not make finished mirrors.
- Main alloys
- 6063, 6463, 6060
- Tempers
- T5, T6
- Glass slot
- Typically 3 – 6 mm mirror
- Finishes
- Anodised, bright-dipped, powder-coated
Why aluminium for mirror frames
A mirror frame has three jobs: hold the glass securely, protect its silvered edge from moisture, and look good for years in a humid room. Extruded aluminium does all three better than most alternatives. It does not rot or swell like timber, it does not rust like mild steel, and an extrusion die can produce a slim face, a glass groove and a screw port in one profile.
Weight matters too. A frame for a large wall mirror in 6063 weighs roughly a third of the same section in steel, which eases hanging and lowers the load on wall fixings. Profiles can be cut and mitred on standard saws, joined with corner keys or welded, bent into curves and arches, and then anodised, bright-dipped or powder-coated in almost any colour.
The design challenge is surface quality. A mirror frame is looked at from close range under bright light, so die lines, streaks and uneven anodising show far more than they would on a window frame. Choosing the right alloy and finish route, and agreeing on what counts as a visible surface, prevents most rejections.
Common mirror frame profile sections
U-channel / J-channel
Glass sits in a slot, typically sized for 3 – 6 mm mirror plus a gasket or adhesive. Common on frameless-look and cabinet mirrors.
Box or deep frame
Hollow section with 20 – 100 mm depth for large floor-standing or wall mirrors; leaves room for LED strips, wiring and hanging rails.
Round and oval tube
Bent tube frames for round and oval mirrors; seamless or extruded tube with a slot milled or extruded in.
Arched and curved frames
Straight profiles stretch- or roll-bent to a radius; the section must be designed to bend without distorting the glass slot.
Lighted mirror profiles
Profiles with an extruded channel for an LED strip and a diffuser clip, used for illuminated bathroom and vanity mirrors.
6063 vs 6463 (and 6060) for mirror frames
All three are 6xxx Al-Mg-Si extrusion alloys. They extrude easily into thin, intricate sections and take an anodic finish well. The difference lies in how bright a surface they can reach.
| Alloy | Best for | Key point | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6063 | Powder coating, matt or satin anodising, brushed finishes | The general architectural extrusion alloy; good strength and very good surface for most finishes | Base |
| 6463 | Bright-dipped, chemically polished or electropolished chrome-look frames | Low iron and tight impurity limits give a clean, highly reflective surface after chemical brightening | Higher |
| 6060 | Small, thin-walled decorative sections | Slightly lower strength than 6063, very easy to extrude, good anodising response | Base |
| 6061 | Large or load-bearing frames, floor mirrors with long spans | Stronger but less bright after anodising; used where stiffness matters more than gloss | Higher |
| Element (wt %) | 6063 | 6463 |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon | 0.20 – 0.60 | 0.20 – 0.60 |
| Iron, max | 0.35 | 0.15 |
| Copper, max | 0.10 | 0.20 |
| Manganese, max | 0.10 | 0.05 |
| Magnesium | 0.45 – 0.90 | 0.45 – 0.90 |
| Chromium, max | 0.10 | — |
| Zinc, max | 0.10 | 0.05 |
Limits per the Aluminum Association registrations. The much lower iron limit of 6463 is what makes it suitable for bright finishing: iron-rich particles scatter light and dull a polished surface.
Strength of 6063 frame profiles
Mirror frames rarely carry high loads, but the profile must be stiff enough not to bow under the glass weight and strong enough for screw ports and hanging points. The minimum values below for 6063 extrusions come from ASTM B221; EN 755-2 gives similar figures.
| Temper | Min. tensile strength | Min. yield strength | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6063-T5 | 150 MPa (22 ksi) | 110 MPa (16 ksi) | Most decorative frames; cooled at the press and aged |
| 6063-T6 | 205 MPa (30 ksi) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) | Large or deep frames, floor mirrors |
6463 reaches strengths in the same general range as 6063 in matching tempers; the mill certificate states the actual values for each lot.
Finishes for mirror frame profiles
Bright dip / chemical polishing
Profiles are mechanically polished, chemically brightened and then anodised to seal the shine. Best on 6463. Gives a chrome-like silver, gold or rose-gold look without plating.
Anodising
Clear, champagne, bronze, black and gold. A film of 10 – 15 µm suits dry interiors; 15 – 20 µm or more is advisable in bathrooms and humid rooms. Quality classes follow standards such as Qualanod and EN 12373.
Powder coating
Matt black, white and RAL colours, typically 60 – 120 µm. Very durable and hides minor die lines. Architectural powders to Qualicoat or AAMA 2603/2604 specifications.
Brushed and satin
Mechanical brushing before anodising gives a fine linear grain that hides fingerprints, popular for modern bathroom mirrors.
Wood-grain transfer
A sublimation print over a powder base reproduces timber looks without the moisture problems of real wood.
Electrophoretic (e-coat)
A thin, clear or coloured lacquer over anodising for extra protection of bright finishes.
Typical dimensions and tolerances
Typical supply range
- L and flat frame profiles
- Face width 5 – 50 mm, wall 0.8 – 2.0 mm
- U / J glass channels
- Slot for 3 – 6 mm mirror plus gasket; height 10 – 40 mm
- Deep box frames
- Depth 20 – 100 mm; 6063-T6 or 6061-T6 for large mirrors
- Tube frames
- Round or oval, about 20 – 60 mm; bending to radius on request
- Lengths
- 3 m and 6 m mill lengths, or cut to size and mitred
- Custom sections
- New dies made to your drawing
Dimensional tolerances for 6060 and 6063 decorative sections are usually agreed to EN 755-9 or, where tighter control is needed, EN 12020-2 for precision profiles; ASTM B221 and ANSI H35.2 apply to US orders. For glass slots, specify the slot width as the glass thickness plus the gasket or adhesive allowance, and give a tolerance on the slot itself rather than on the whole profile.
Cutting, joining and assembling frames
- Cut and mitreProfiles are cut at 45° on precision saws. Protect finished faces with film and cut after finishing only if the cut edge will be hidden.
- Join the cornersAluminium corner keys crimped or screwed into a key channel give a tight, invisible mitre. Welded and polished corners are used for premium one-piece frames.
- Fit the glassMirror is bedded in a neutral-cure silicone or EPDM gasket. Avoid acid-cure sealants: they attack mirror silvering and can mark anodising.
- Add hanging and lightingScrew ports, hanging rails and LED channels are best extruded into the section rather than added later.
For bathrooms, keep the mirror edge out of standing water, and choose a sealed finish (anodised 15 µm or more, or powder coating). Where frames contact other metals, isolate them to avoid galvanic corrosion.
How to order mirror frame profiles
- Send the sectionDrawing (DWG/DXF/PDF) or a physical sample, with glass thickness and any LED or hanging features.
- Agree alloy and finish6063 for powder and matt; 6463 for bright dip. Name colour, film thickness and gloss.
- Confirm lengths and quantityMill lengths, or cut and mitred pieces per frame size.
- Inspection and documentsDimensional report, finish thickness and gloss checks, and mill certificate (EN 10204 3.1).
- Packing and shippingEach profile film-wrapped and boxed to protect visible faces; shipped worldwide on EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP terms.
References and standards
- ASTM B221 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles and Tubes
- EN 755-2 and EN 755-9 – Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties; profile tolerances
- EN 12020-2 – Extruded precision profiles in alloys EN AW-6060 and EN AW-6063: tolerances
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits
- Qualanod – Specifications for the quality label for sulfuric acid-based anodizing of aluminium
Aluminium mirror frame profiles: frequently asked questions
What is the best aluminium alloy for mirror frames?
6063-T5 is the usual choice for powder-coated, matt or satin-anodised frames. For a high-gloss, chrome-like finish choose 6463, whose low iron content allows chemical brightening without a cloudy surface.
Can aluminium mirror frames be used in bathrooms?
Yes. Aluminium does not rot or rust. Specify anodising of at least 15 µm or architectural powder coating, seal the glass with neutral-cure silicone, and keep the frame out of standing water.
Do you supply corner keys for mirror frames?
Yes, aluminium corner keys sized to the key channel in the profile can be supplied with the extrusions. Gaskets, sealants and glass are sourced by the frame maker.
What glass thickness do mirror frame channels take?
Most U- and J-channels are designed for 3 – 6 mm mirror plus a gasket or adhesive allowance. The slot width is set when the die is designed, so tell us the glass thickness and glazing method.
Can aluminium frame profiles be bent for round or arched mirrors?
Yes. Tubes and many open sections can be roll- or stretch-bent to a radius. The section must be designed for bending so the glass slot does not close or twist; send the radius with your drawing.
Do I need a new die for a custom mirror frame profile?
Only if no existing section matches your design. A new die is made to your drawing and then reused for repeat orders.
Sourcing aluminium mirror frame profiles?
Send your section, alloy, finish and quantities. We will confirm the profile, finish and delivery to your factory.
