The Times of India

The science behind aluminium foil: Why one side looks shiny and the other looks dull

Aluminium foil's shiny and dull sides result from its manufacturing process. The dull side is unpolished as two sheets are rolled together. Both sides possess identical composition and thickness for heat conduction. There is no significant difference for most everyday cooking applications. Specific uses like non-stick coatings may require orienting the dull side.