Powder-Coated Aluminium Gate Finishes and Colour Options
Powder coating is what makes aluminium gates practical: a baked polyester finish that bonds to the metal, resists UV and needs no repainting.
Choosing the reference and the sheen well matters more than most people expect, because the gate sits next to windows, doors and a garage door that already have a colour.
How architectural powder coating works
The aluminium is degreased, pre-treated and then electrostatically coated before being cured in an oven. Architectural-grade polyester powders are specified for exterior use because they hold colour and gloss far longer than standard grades in UK weather.
The colours UK homes actually choose
- RAL 7016 anthracite grey — matches almost all modern window frames
- RAL 9005 jet black — the default for period and traditional frontages
- RAL 7015 slate grey and RAL 7039 quartz grey — softer contemporary alternatives
- RAL 6009 fir green and RAL 8017 chocolate brown — rural and semi-rural plots
- Wood-effect finishes — the look of timber with no swelling, rot or repainting
Matt, satin or gloss?
Satin (around 30% sheen) is the safest choice: it hides surface texture and rain marking better than gloss and stays cleaner-looking than deep matt. Matt finishes look excellent on modern render but show fingerprints and cleaning marks near handles and keypads.
Matching gates, fencing and garages
Where a project includes gates, pedestrian gates, fence panels and a garage door, we coat everything to the same RAL reference in the same batch so the frontage reads as one design rather than several close-but-different greys.
Keeping the finish looking new
- Wash two to four times a year with warm water and mild detergent
- Rinse coastal or road-salt exposure more often over winter
- Never use solvents, abrasives or pressure washers close to the surface
- Touch-up paint matched to your RAL reference handles occasional chips
Frequently asked questions
- Can you match my existing window colour?
- Yes. Most modern UK windows are RAL 7016 anthracite grey; we coat gates, posts and fencing to the same reference so the frontage matches exactly.
- Does powder coating fade?
- Architectural-grade polyester powders are UV stable and hold colour for many years. Regular washing removes the film of road grime that makes any finish look dull.
- Do wood-effect finishes need maintenance?
- No. A wood-effect powder coating on aluminium looks like timber but needs only washing — no staining, oiling or repainting.