A method of fabricating a bare aluminum electrical conductor including a step of heat treating the conductor while wound on a winding form. The method comprises the step of coating the outer surface of the aluminum conductor with an inorganic powder material prior to winding the wire or cable on the winding form. The invention also relates to a method of protecting an aluminum conductor from damage during heat treatment and shipment when wound on a winding form. This method comprises providing a layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy between said conductor and parts of said winding form that would contact said wound conductor if not for said layer.