Choosing a Gate Colour: RAL Shades That Work in the UK
A gate is the largest single-coloured object on most frontages. Choosing its finish is as much an architectural decision as a personal one.
How powder coating works
The aluminium is cleaned and pre-treated, then a dry polyester powder is applied electrostatically and cured in an oven. The result is a hard, uniform film that resists UV, rain and road salt far better than site-applied paint — and there is no rust underneath it to lift the coating.
Shades that keep working
- RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey — the default modern choice; pairs with grey aluminium windows.
- RAL 9005 Jet Black — sharp against red brick and traditional frontages.
- RAL 7039 Quartz Grey — softer than anthracite, good with stone and render.
- RAL 6009 Fir Green — quiet and traditional for rural and wooded settings.
- Wood-effect finishes — the warmth of timber with the maintenance of aluminium.
Matching the whole boundary
Gates rarely stand alone. Specifying the pedestrian gate, fence panels, railings and — where relevant — the garage in the same colour and collection turns several separate purchases into one deliberate frontage.
Matt, satin or gloss
Matt and fine-texture finishes hide fingerprints and minor marks best, which is why they dominate on driveway gates. Gloss reads brighter but shows dust and handling more readily on a large flat leaf.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I have any RAL colour?
- Yes — the full RAL range is available, plus wood-effect finishes. See our colours page for the standard swatches.
- Will the colour fade?
- A marine-grade powder coat holds its colour for many years in UK weather. Wash it occasionally to keep the finish looking new.
- Can you match my window frames?
- Usually yes. Send us the RAL reference from your window supplier and we will coat the gate to match.