Powder Coated aluminium windows

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Nick Dardalis

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Powder coated aluminium windows are old or new windows of all types and brands but specifically relating to their colour finish. Polyester powder coating remains the most effective way of colouring aluminium profiles but it also provides essential protection to the aluminium surface itself. Here’s everything you need to know about powder coated aluminium windows, how colours are chosen, how to match them with existing aluminium and other tips and advice.

powder coated aluminium windows in a black colour in a modern house

Powder coated aluminium windows explained

In the UK and around the world, polyester powder coating remains the preferred way of painting and protecting aluminium profiles on windows, doors and commercial glazing products.

The powder coating process of aluminium is a sophisticated one, carried out by specialist “powder coaters” in the UK.  These are companies that specialise in painting bar length aluminium that is then used by the window and door manufacturers to make the finished product. These powder coating companies are strictly monitored, quality assured and have all manner of accreditations and certifications.

As well as companies providing powder coated aluminium windows and doors profiles, the company behind the design of the product may also coat and paint its own profiles.

All of the brands of products via systems companies and reputable independent businesses provide powder coated aluminium windows painted to the highest possible standards.

How powder coating differs from wet paint colouring

Powder coating differs from ‘wet paints’ which typically are solvent-based paints that must fully dry and evaporate.

Powder coated aluminium windows are painted using a dry process with polyester powder, hence the term “powder” coated. In simple terms, an electrical charge is applied to the aluminium bar and the powder is sprayed onto it.  The electrical charge bonds the powder to the aluminium and once applied the powder paint is cured in an oven.

Correctly applied by a specialist applicator, powder coating gives even coverage, a high quality finish and one that should last for at least 15 years. Polyester powder itself is manufactured by Powder Manufacturers.  Some are global companies with significant presence, others are smaller companies.

What you may not know is that powder coating has a reduced impact on the environment as powder coating uses no environmentally harmful solvents.

There are approximately 200 polyester powder coat colours available including matt, gloss, satin, textured, metallic and specialist finishes.

The application and painting on today’s powder coated aluminium windows and doors must be painted by an approved Qualicoat applicator in accordance with the relevant British Standards. Guarantees on the paint finish range from 15-25 years as well as specialist guarantees for marine, coastal, extreme, chlorine and other environments.

the powder coated finish on aluminium windows is available in over 200 colours with differing shades of satin, matt or gloss.
The Powder Coated finish on aluminium windows is available in over 200 colours with differing shades of satin, matt or gloss.

What are the colours used in powder coating?

Powder manufacturers use their own product codes that the window industry uses to specify the correct colour.  Whilst product descriptions are used, with hundreds of colours available, the only simple way of ensuring the right colour is chosen is to use codes.

Presently in the UK, the following powders and references are used with examples of colour :

RAL, such as RAL9910 gloss for white.  This is by far the most commonly used method of powder coating aluminium.

Syntha Pulvin, such as G2L0367 Anthracite Grey.  Syntha Pulving like RAL is widely used but typically in more commercial application rather than residential.  It can colour match with RAL colours.

BS 4800, such as BS08B29 Van Dyke Brown used in many brown patio doors installed for decades. BS4800 is largely used to specify colours of paint for construction and building works. Widely used in local authority work.

BS 381C, such as BS381 538 Post Office Red.  Rarely used in architectural aluminium, BS381C colours are used in ironwork and by the military.

NCS, such as S 0585-Y70R.  Rarely used for aluminium, this is an international colour system used by designers, for production, research and education.  It is a colour matching system using printed cards.

Pantone.  The Pantone Colour Matching System is a colour reproduction system. It is rarely used today in architectural aluminium as it is primarily used in Printing. A typical pantone colour can be “Pantone 300 Blue”

How RAL colours work for powder coated aluminium windows

With RAL paint references being the most common for aluminium windows and doors, the paint product codes have been split into colour groups to make identification easier. Each RAL code signifies the colour “group” in the first number: RAL reference starting with 1 – cream/yellow/beige
RAL reference starting with 2 – orange
RAL reference starting with 3 – reds or pinks
RAL reference starting with 4 – purple colours including violet or lilacs
RAL reference starting with 5 – blue
RAL reference starting with 6 – greens
RAL reference starting with 7 – greys
RAL reference starting with 8 – browns
RAL reference starting with 9 – whites and blacks

Can you match colours from different powder manufacturers?

Assuming you have the original colour reference, theoretically, it is possible to match an existing colour with a new one. There are however exceptions such as:

  • Powder manufacturers work to tolerances so it may not be an exact match
  • If aluminium windows have been exposed to the elements and not routinely cleaned, discolouration will  make matching more difficult
  • Some colours may have been discontinued over time.

Therefore if you have old coloured aluminium windows installed, you are trying to replace a coloured window or are adding coloured windows to your home, the original RAL reference is critical.  This even applies to white or black powder coated windows as there are several shades of each colour available. It is also important to remember that some colours are available in either Satin, Matt or Gloss and some colours are available in all three.  Therefore the colour reference must state the shade, such as RAL 9910 Gloss or RAL 7016 Matt.

What about other colours such as Dulux or Farrow and Ball Colours?

If you are wishing to perfectly match a colour you have seen in other types of paints such as Farrow and Ball, powder manufacturers can match your colour.  Please bear in mind that this will incur additional cost as the powder has to be specially made and formulated.  Any additional cost is calculated on a job by job basis and subject to special quotation.

It is worth bearing in mind that most window companies will probably shy away from doing bespoke colour work, choosing instead to stick to the industry standard colour swatches such as RAL. With over 200 colours available you will probably find a close match to wet paint or interior colour but if you are insistent on matching exactly, contact us and we can help you.

powder coated aluminium windows and yellow origin bifolds in a lounge

Summary and Conclusion

Getting the best powder coated aluminium windows means finding a reputable and experienced installer. They in turn work with the best suppliers having access to better products and a wider choice of colours.

Some companies choose to offer only a limited colour range and for many customers, these shades of white, black, grey or woodgrain finishes serve most projects well. If you’re looking for special colours or want to match something specific get in touch for information on aluminium specialists near you.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
Rachel LauRachel Lau
09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
13:18 02 Apr 23
Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
David NunnDavid Nunn
20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
Keith BarnesKeith Barnes
17:18 10 Dec 22
Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
Munim ChowdhuryMunim Chowdhury
11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
SUSAN wallaceSUSAN wallace
17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
Nick McCormackNick McCormack
20:25 14 Aug 22
Really helpful and useful came back to me on a Sunday with some invaluable information. Highly recommended.
ray addisonray addison
13:14 14 Aug 22
received a prompt reply to my query,and helpful information from ATS
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