Best UPVC Paint Colours for Windows, Doors, and Conservatories

Choosing the right colour for your UPVC spray painting project is one of the most exciting parts of the process, but it can also feel overwhelming. With over 1,600 RAL colours available and dozens of popular shades to consider, how do you narrow it down?

After more than 11 years of spraying UPVC across the UK, I can tell you which colours homeowners choose time and time again, which shades suit different property styles, and which ones you might want to avoid. In this guide, I will walk you through the most popular UPVC paint colours we use at UPVC Spray Team, explain how RAL colour codes work, and help you pick the right shade for your home. If you are still wondering whether UPVC spraying actually works or how long the finish lasts, we have covered that in separate guides.

Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016): The UK's Most Popular UPVC Colour

If there is one colour that dominates UPVC spraying in the UK right now, it is anthracite grey. RAL 7016 has been the most requested shade across our projects for the past five years, and that shows no sign of slowing down. It is a deep, rich charcoal grey that transforms tired white UPVC into something that looks modern, sophisticated, and expensive.

Anthracite grey works on almost every property type. It looks striking on Victorian terraces, modern new builds, and everything in between. The colour is dark enough to create a real visual contrast against brickwork without being as stark as pure black. It also hides dirt and weathering far better than lighter shades, which means your windows and doors stay looking clean for longer between washes.

One of the reasons anthracite grey has become so popular is that most new-build developers now offer it as a standard option on factory-fitted UPVC. Homeowners with older white frames see their neighbours' properties looking sharp in grey and want to match. Spraying is the fastest and most affordable way to get the same look without replacing all your windows.

What Does RAL 7016 Look Like?

RAL 7016 is a dark grey with very subtle blue undertones. In bright sunlight it can appear slightly lighter than it does on a cloudy day, but it always reads as a strong, confident grey. It pairs particularly well with red and yellow brick, light render, and natural stone. If you are looking at colour swatches online, be aware that screens rarely show the true depth of the colour. I always recommend ordering a physical swatch or looking at real examples before committing.

Agate Grey (RAL 7038): A Softer, Warmer Alternative

For homeowners who love the idea of grey UPVC but find anthracite a little too dark, agate grey is the perfect middle ground. RAL 7038 is a warm, mid-tone grey with a slight green undertone that feels softer and more subtle than anthracite. It is one of those colours that looks quietly expensive without demanding attention.

Agate grey is particularly popular on period properties and homes with softer brickwork tones. It works beautifully on cottages, bungalows, and homes where a dark grey might feel too heavy. It is also an excellent choice if you want your windows and doors to blend harmoniously with the property rather than create a bold contrast.

We have seen a steady increase in demand for agate grey over the past two years, especially from homeowners who want a contemporary update without going full dark. It is one of those colours that photographs beautifully and always gets compliments from neighbours.

Chartwell Green: Classic Heritage Character

Chartwell green is a muted, sage-like green that takes its name from Chartwell, the Kent home of Winston Churchill. It has become hugely popular for cottage-style properties, conservation areas, and homes where homeowners want a touch of character without anything too bold.

The shade sits somewhere between green and grey, which is what makes it so versatile. It works on sash-style UPVC windows, traditional casement frames, and front doors. If your property has a period feel or you live in a rural area, chartwell green can give your UPVC a heritage look that blends naturally with the surroundings. We often use it alongside our UPVC door spraying service when homeowners want their front door to match their window frames.

Black (RAL 9005): Bold and Contemporary

Matt black or satin black UPVC has become increasingly popular, especially on modern properties and new builds. RAL 9005 is a true, deep black that creates a dramatic contrast against lighter walls and brickwork. It is particularly striking on slim-profile window frames and bifold doors where the dark colour emphasises the sleek lines of the metalwork.

Black is a confident choice, and it suits properties where homeowners want a clean, architectural feel. It pairs well with white render, pale grey brick, and natural timber cladding. One thing worth knowing is that dark colours absorb more heat than lighter shades. On UPVC, this is rarely a problem with modern formulations, but I always recommend discussing it with your sprayer if you have very large south-facing expanses of UPVC.

Cream, Ivory, and White: Refreshing What You Already Have

Not everyone wants a dramatic colour change. Many of our customers come to us because their white UPVC has yellowed, faded, or just looks tired after 15 to 20 years. In these cases, a fresh coat of bright white (RAL 9016) or a warm cream (RAL 9001) can make the frames look brand new without changing the overall look of the property.

This is one of the most cost-effective uses of UPVC spraying. Rather than replacing perfectly functional double-glazed units because the frames look old, spraying them white or cream restores the original appearance at a fraction of the cost. If you are curious about pricing, our UPVC window painting cost guide breaks down exactly what to expect.

Other Popular UPVC Colours Worth Considering

Slate Grey (RAL 7015)

Slightly lighter and cooler than anthracite, slate grey is a versatile option that works on both traditional and modern properties. It has a subtle blue-grey tone that looks particularly good on coastal properties or homes with grey stone or slate roofing.

Sage Green

A muted, earthy green that is softer than chartwell green. Sage works beautifully on country properties and is becoming increasingly popular as part of the wider trend towards natural, calming colour palettes in home design.

Dark Green (RAL 6009)

A deep, rich green that is popular on traditional properties, especially in rural areas and conservation zones. It pairs well with red brick and natural stone and gives UPVC windows a timber-like appearance.

Rosewood and Woodgrain Effects

While not a solid colour, rosewood and other woodgrain finishes remain popular for homeowners who want their UPVC to mimic the appearance of traditional timber. Professional UPVC spraying can achieve a convincing woodgrain effect that is far more durable than the original foil wraps that many UPVC frames come with.

Navy Blue (RAL 5011)

A bold choice that has been gaining traction, particularly on front doors and feature windows. Navy blue adds personality and works especially well on white or cream rendered properties.

What Are RAL Colours and Why Do They Matter?

RAL is a European colour matching system used across the paint, manufacturing, and construction industries. Each colour has a unique number, like RAL 7016 for anthracite grey, which means the exact same shade can be mixed by any paint supplier anywhere in the world. This is important because it guarantees consistency. When you choose a RAL colour for your UPVC spraying project, you know exactly what you are getting, and it will match any other elements of your property that use the same code.

At UPVC Spray Team, we work with the full RAL colour chart, giving you access to over 1,600 options. Most homeowners choose from the 20 or so most popular shades, but if you have a specific colour in mind or need to match existing paintwork, render, or a neighbouring property, we can mix any RAL code to order. You can browse the full range on our RAL colour chart page.

How to Choose the Right UPVC Colour for Your Property

Consider Your Brickwork and Surroundings

The colour of your brickwork, render, roof tiles, and garden landscaping all play a role in how a UPVC colour will look on your property. Anthracite grey looks stunning against warm red or yellow brick but can feel cold against very grey stone. Lighter greys and greens tend to be safer choices for properties with cooler tones. If you are unsure, ask your sprayer for advice or request to see examples on similar property types.

Think About the Whole Property

Your windows, front door, back door, and conservatory do not all have to be the same colour, but they should work together. A popular combination is anthracite grey windows with a matching or slightly darker front door. Some homeowners choose a contrasting door colour, like navy blue or chartwell green, as a feature. If you are thinking about spraying your conservatory or fascia boards at the same time, it usually makes sense to keep these in the same colour family as your windows.

Check Planning Restrictions

If you live in a conservation area or a listed building, there may be restrictions on which colours you can use for external joinery. In most cases, UPVC spraying does not require planning permission, but it is always worth checking with your local authority if you are in a designated area. Heritage colours like chartwell green and dark green are usually safe choices for conservation zones.

Order a Physical Swatch

Never rely on screen colours alone. Monitors, phones, and tablets all display colours differently, and even the lighting in your room can change how a swatch appears. Most professional UPVC sprayers, including our team, can provide physical colour samples or spray a test patch so you can see exactly how the colour will look on your UPVC in natural daylight.

What Type of Paint Is Used for UPVC Colour Changes?

Professional UPVC spraying uses specialist two-pack (2K) polyurethane paint that is formulated specifically for plastic substrates. This is not the same as the tins of UPVC paint you might find at B&Q or Screwfix. Professional 2K paint bonds chemically to the UPVC surface, creating an extremely durable finish that resists chipping, peeling, and UV fading for years. If you want to understand the difference between professional and DIY paint options, our guide on what spray paint to use on UPVC covers this in detail.

The paint we use is specifically designed to flex with the UPVC as it expands and contracts in different temperatures. Cheaper paints and aerosol cans cannot do this, which is why DIY UPVC painting often cracks or peels within a year or two. With professional 2K paint, the finish is designed to last 10 years or more.

UPVC Colour Trends for 2026

The biggest trend we are seeing right now is the continued dominance of grey, but with a growing interest in softer, warmer tones. Anthracite grey remains the number one choice by a significant margin, but agate grey and other mid-tone greys are gaining ground rapidly.

Green is the colour to watch. Chartwell green has been steadily growing for several years, and we are now seeing more requests for sage green and olive tones. This aligns with the wider trend in interior design towards natural, earthy palettes that extend to the exterior of the home.

Two-tone combinations are becoming more popular too. Homeowners are choosing one colour for their window frames and a contrasting shade for their front door or garage door. Anthracite grey windows with a navy blue or dark green front door is a combination we are being asked for more and more.

Matt and satin finishes continue to be more popular than high gloss. A satin finish gives a clean, contemporary look and is more forgiving of minor surface imperfections than a full gloss. It also tends to age more gracefully, as gloss finishes can show wear more quickly over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular colour for UPVC windows in 2026?

Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is by far the most popular colour for UPVC windows in the UK. It accounts for roughly 60 to 70 per cent of the colour-change projects we carry out. Agate grey, black, and chartwell green make up most of the remainder.

Can I get any colour for my UPVC windows?

Yes. Professional UPVC spraying gives you access to the full RAL colour range, which includes over 1,600 colours. If you can give us a RAL code, we can mix it. We can also colour-match to existing paintwork, render, or any other reference you have.

Will the colour fade over time?

With professional 2K paint, colour fading is minimal. The paint we use includes UV stabilisers that protect against sun damage. You can expect the colour to look consistent for 10 years or more with normal care. Our guide on whether spray paint is UV resistant explains how this works in more detail.

Do darker colours cause problems on UPVC?

Modern UPVC formulations and professional spray paints are designed to handle heat absorption from darker colours. In practice, we have sprayed thousands of windows in anthracite grey and black without any issues. The paint flexes with the UPVC as it expands and contracts. However, if you have very old UPVC or unusually large panels, it is always worth discussing colour choice with your sprayer.

Can I change the colour of my UPVC conservatory?

Absolutely. Conservatories are one of the most popular projects for UPVC spraying. Changing a white conservatory to anthracite grey or agate grey can completely transform how it looks and feels, making it look like a modern extension rather than a dated addition.

Do I need to prepare UPVC before it can be sprayed a different colour?

Yes, thorough preparation is essential for a durable finish. The surface must be cleaned, degreased, and properly primed before paint is applied. Our guide on how to prepare UPVC windows for spray painting explains the full process.

What is the difference between UPVC paint from B&Q and professional spray paint?

The tins of UPVC paint you find at DIY stores are typically single-pack acrylic formulations. They are fine for small touch-ups but are not as durable as the two-pack polyurethane paint used by professional sprayers. Professional paint bonds more strongly, resists UV fading better, and flexes with the UPVC over time. The finish is also significantly smoother because it is applied with professional spray equipment rather than a brush or roller.

Ready to Choose Your Colour?

At UPVC Spray Team, we spray windows, doors, conservatories, fascia boards, and more in any RAL colour across the UK. Every project includes full surface preparation, professional 2K paint, and a 10-year guarantee on the finish. If you are ready to transform your property, get a free quote today or browse our RAL colour chart for inspiration.

Not sure if UPVC spraying is right for you? Read our guides on whether you can paint UPVC windows, the benefits of UPVC spray painting, or how much UPVC window painting costs to learn more.