Top RAL Colours: 2008–2026 Trend Analysis
How colour preferences across all RAL ranges have shifted on commercial aluminium window projects over 18 years of data.
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Colours & Specification
Popular Grey RAL Colours for Commercial Metalwork
An analysis of the most frequently specified RAL grey shades across our commercial projects, with spotlights on the top five, a full RAL 7000 reference chart, and answers to the most common questions about grey colour naming and equivalents.
Grey dominates commercial metalwork specification in the UK. Across aluminium windows, curtain walling, shop fronts, cladding panels, roller shutters, and entrance metalwork, grey RAL codes consistently account for the largest share of colour choices, and have done so for well over a decade.
The data below is drawn from Vanda Coatings' own project records. In our original analysis of over 300 projects completed in 2022, five grey RAL codes stood out clearly. Subsequent years have confirmed the same pattern, with some shifts in the supporting positions from 2023 onwards.
300+
Projects analysed
RAL 7016
Most specified grey
39
RAL grey codes (7000 range)
60%+
Projects specify a grey tone
The top 5 most specified RAL grey colours
These five codes have led grey specifications consistently across our project data. RAL 7016 sits in a class of its own, it was by far the most popular grey in our 2022 analysis and has maintained that position through 2023–2026.
#1
RAL 7016
Anthracite Grey
The dominant grey for modern commercial facades. Works on virtually every building type and substrate, aluminium windows, shop fronts, cladding, roller shutters, and curtain walling alike.
#2
RAL 7021
Black Grey
Darker and cooler than 7016. Chosen when the brief calls for a near-black finish with more depth than pure 9005, particularly on premium commercial offices and retail.
#3
RAL 7012
Basalt Grey
A mid-dark grey with a cool, slightly blue-tinged character. Frequently specified on office curtain walling and institutional buildings where 7016 reads as too dark.
#4
RAL 7037
Dusty Grey
A clean mid-grey without strong warm or cool bias. Commonly seen on industrial buildings, roller shutters, plant rooms, and secondary metalwork where a neutral, unobtrusive finish is the brief.
#5
RAL 7038
Agate Grey
A pale, warm-toned grey. Used where a lighter grey is required, particularly on buildings where a heavy anthracite would appear too dominant against lighter brickwork or render.
RAL 9005 Jet Black, technically outside the 7000 grey range, appeared with the same frequency as RAL 7016 in our 2022 data and continues to do so. Where projects are specified in "dark grey or black," RAL 9005 and RAL 7016 are almost always the two options in consideration.
Choosing between similar greys
The RAL 7000 range contains 39 distinct grey codes, many of which sit very close to one another. Understanding the three broad clusters, dark, mid, and light, makes narrowing down the right specification much easier.
Dark greys
7016 · 7021 · 7022 · 7024 · 7026 · 7043
The most commercially specified cluster. RAL 7016 is the default, warmer and slightly lighter. RAL 7021 is cooler and darker. RAL 7022 (Umbra Grey) has a slightly warmer undertone than 7016, sitting well against brick. RAL 7024 reads with a blueish cast. RAL 7026 is very dark with a greenish undertone.
Mid greys
7011 · 7012 · 7015 · 7031 · 7037 · 7039
The mid range spans warm to cool tones. RAL 7012 Basalt Grey and RAL 7015 Slate Grey are the most used here. RAL 7031 Blue Grey has a clear blue bias, useful where the building's material palette includes blue-toned glass or stone. RAL 7037 is the neutral choice with no strong directional bias.
Light greys
7035 · 7038 · 7040 · 7044 · 7045 · 7047
Light greys are most common on industrial and institutional buildings, and on buildings where planning restrictions require lighter facade colours. RAL 7035 Light Grey is the most specified in this cluster. RAL 7044 Silk Grey and RAL 7047 Telegrey 4 are the palest options, sitting close to white.
RAL 7016 vs RAL 7021, the most common comparison
These two codes are the most frequently compared on commercial projects. Both sit in the dark grey range and are often considered interchangeably, but they read quite differently in practice.
| RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey | RAL 7021 Black Grey | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Medium-dark, warm undertone | Very dark, cool and neutral |
| In daylight | Reads as a true dark grey | Reads as near-black in most conditions |
| Best against | Brick, render, light stone | Concrete, dark brick, glass-heavy facades |
| Typical use | Mid-market commercial refurbishment | Premium offices, contemporary retail |
| Specification volume | Significantly higher | Strong and growing |
| Finish options | Matt, satin, gloss | Matt, satin, gloss |
Complete RAL 7000 grey reference
All 39 RAL Classic grey codes with approximate screen representations. Hover to identify each shade. As with all screen swatches, these are indicative only, always confirm against a physical RAL sample before specifying.
7000Squirrel Grey
7001Silver Grey
7002Olive Grey
7003Moss Grey
7004Signal Grey
7005Mouse Grey
7006Beige Grey
7008Khaki Grey
7009Green Grey
7010Tarpaulin Grey
7011Iron Grey
7012Basalt Grey
7013Brown Grey
7015Slate Grey
7016Anthracite Grey
7021Black Grey
7022Umbra Grey
7023Concrete Grey
7024Graphite Grey
7026Granite Grey
7030Stone Grey
7031Blue Grey
7032Pebble Grey
7033Cement Grey
7034Yellow Grey
7035Light Grey
7036Platinum Grey
7037Dusty Grey
7038Agate Grey
7039Quartz Grey
7040Window Grey
7042Traffic Grey A
7043Traffic Grey B
7044Silk Grey
7045Telegrey 1
7046Telegrey 2
7047Telegrey 4
7048Pearl Mouse Grey
Hover to see code. Screen colours are indicative only, always confirm from physical RAL samples. RAL is a registered trademark of RAL GmbH.
Frequently asked questions about grey RAL colours
A number of proprietary and trade grey colour names come up regularly on commercial projects. These are not RAL Classic codes, they originate from paint manufacturers, window system suppliers, or the British Standard (BS) colour system. Here is how they relate to RAL.
Q
What RAL colour is Anthracite Grey?
Anthracite Grey is RAL 7016. It is the single most specified grey RAL colour on commercial aluminium window and metalwork projects in the UK. If a specification or tender document refers to "Anthracite Grey" without a RAL code, RAL 7016 is the standard interpretation.
Q
What is Charcoal Grey in RAL?
"Charcoal Grey" is a common trade description rather than a precise RAL code. Depending on the context, it usually refers to either RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey or RAL 7021 Black Grey. RAL 7021 is the closer match if a very dark charcoal is intended. Always confirm by RAL code when specifying, "charcoal" alone is not precise enough for a coating specification.
Q
What is Merlin Grey in RAL?
Merlin Grey is a proprietary colour used by some aluminium system suppliers and architects. It is referenced in the RAL Design System+ (not RAL Classic) as code 180 40 05. The closest RAL Classic equivalents are RAL 7012 Basalt Grey or RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey depending on the specific shade. A physical comparison sample is essential when matching to existing Merlin Grey metalwork.
Q
What is Goosewing Grey in RAL?
Goosewing Grey is a British Standard (BS) colour with code BS 10A05, it does not have a direct RAL Classic equivalent. The closest approximations in the RAL 7000 range are RAL 7044 Silk Grey or RAL 7038 Agate Grey. If you need to match existing Goosewing Grey metalwork, a bespoke colour-matched coating is the most reliable approach.
Q
What is the difference between RAL 7016 and RAL 7022?
Both are dark greys that appear similar on screen, but differ noticeably in context. RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey has a cooler, slightly bluer undertone. RAL 7022 Umbra Grey is slightly warmer, with an earthy-brown cast that sits particularly well against red brick and natural stone. RAL 7022 has grown in specification volume from 2022 onwards as an alternative for specifiers seeking something close to 7016 but with a warmer character.
Q
How should I choose between similar grey RAL codes?
View physical RAL swatches at the building in the actual lighting conditions, ideally at different times of day. Dark greys (7016, 7021, 7022) can appear almost identical in low light but diverge significantly in bright sun. Consider the surrounding materials: warm brick and stone tend to suit warmer greys (7022, 7006, 8019); concrete and glass facades suit cooler greys (7016, 7021, 7024). Request a spray-out sample before committing.
Related reading
More from our colour specification resources.
RAL Colours: The Complete Guide
All nine RAL Classic ranges in full, with interactive swatches, specification guidance, and the most used colours per range.
Read ArticleAluminium Window Spraying
Our on-site aluminium window recoating service, any RAL colour, full preparation and specification, 10-year guarantee.
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