Anthracite grey now accounts for around 60% of all uPVC resprays we carry out across Yorkshire. It's not a trend. It works well against the red, buff and millstone grit brick that defines Yorkshire's housing stock, and it suits everything from Victorian terraces to modern new builds. Understanding which shade to choose and whether to spray or replace will save you both money and regret.
At a glance: Spraying existing uPVC to anthracite grey costs £80 to £150 per window. Replacing with anthracite grey frames costs £400 to £800 per window. Both options carry long-term guarantees when done correctly. The right choice depends on the structural condition of your existing frames.
Why Does Anthracite Grey Work So Well on Yorkshire Properties?
Yorkshire has three dominant brick colours: red brick in West Yorkshire's urban terraces, buff or Accrington brick in the Dales and commuter villages, and millstone grit stone in the upland towns of Calderdale, Kirklees and the Dales. Anthracite grey reads well against all three. It provides contrast without competing, it grounds the facade, and it reads as contemporary regardless of the age of the property.
White uPVC, by contrast, can look stark against red brick and slightly cold against stone. It was widely fitted through the 1990s and 2000s, and many properties across Leeds, Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield now have white frames that detract from an otherwise attractive facade. The colour change to anthracite transforms how these homes read from the street.
Modern extensions are a particular case worth noting. A rear or side extension in a different material, say grey timber cladding or render, often looks mismatched against original white uPVC at the front. Respraying the front frames to anthracite pulls the whole property together without any structural work.
RAL 7016 vs RAL 7021 vs RAL 7024: Which Shade Is Right?
This is the question that matters most and the one most homeowners don't know to ask. "Anthracite grey" covers a range of shades with meaningfully different visual results. The three most commonly specified are:
RAL 7016 - Anthracite Grey
This is the most popular choice and the closest to what most people picture when they say "anthracite grey." It's a medium-dark grey with a faintly blue-green undertone. It works particularly well against red and orange-toned brick because the cool undertone provides balance. The vast majority of window manufacturers' "anthracite" option is RAL 7016.
RAL 7021 - Black Grey
Darker and with a warmer tone than 7016. It reads as near-black at distance and suits properties going for a more dramatic, contemporary look. It works well against light-coloured render or pale brick but can look heavy against already dark stone. Popular for front doors more than windows, though some homeowners choose it for the full facade treatment on new builds.
RAL 7024 - Graphite Grey
Sits between 7016 and 7021 in depth, with a neutral, slightly blue undertone. A good choice when 7016 feels too light and 7021 feels too dark. We'd often recommend this for buff brick properties in areas like Wetherby, Tadcaster or the Harrogate villages, where the warmth of the brick pairs well with a neutral mid-dark frame.
We provide physical sample panels in your shortlisted shades before any work begins. Colours look different on a screen than they do against your actual brick in your actual light. Don't commit to a shade without seeing it in context.
Spray vs Replace: The Cost Comparison
The numbers are stark. Spraying existing uPVC to anthracite grey costs £80 to £150 per window and £200 to £350 for a front door, with a full exterior package typically coming in at £2,000 to £5,500 depending on the number of windows and doors.
Replacing uPVC windows with new anthracite frames costs £400 to £800 per window for supply and fit, with front doors from approximately £1,000 to £2,500 depending on specification. A full house replacement on a typical Yorkshire semi runs to £8,000 to £15,000.
The saving from spraying rather than replacing is 70 to 80% for most Yorkshire homeowners. For a 10-window semi in Leeds or Bradford, that's a saving in the range of £6,000 to £10,000, for visually identical results.
What Kolorbond Certification Actually Means
Kolorbond is a manufacturer-certified coating system specifically developed for uPVC. It is not a standard paint product applied to plastic. The system works through a chemical adhesion process that bonds the coating at a molecular level with the uPVC substrate. This is why Kolorbond-certified work carries a manufacturer-backed 10-year guarantee for colour stability and adhesion.
Not all uPVC spray painters are Kolorbond Certified Applicators. The certification requires training, approved equipment and use of the correct product system. A non-certified operator using a generic product cannot offer the same guarantee because the guarantee is tied to the manufacturer and certification, not just the applicator's word.
When comparing quotes, ask specifically whether the company is a Kolorbond Certified Applicator and whether the written guarantee is manufacturer-backed. The distinction matters over a 10-year period.
Which Yorkshire Property Types Benefit Most?
In our experience across Yorkshire, the properties that benefit most visibly from anthracite grey uPVC are:
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield. These properties often have original features like stone lintels and corbels that are overwhelmed by bright white uPVC. Anthracite frames read closer to the original dark paintwork and sit more naturally in the facade.
- 1930s semis across West Yorkshire. The pebbledash or roughcast render common on this era pairs well with anthracite grey, giving a more contemporary finish without altering the character of the property.
- North Yorkshire market towns. In places like Knaresborough, Ripon, Northallerton and Malton, many properties are sandstone or limestone construction. Anthracite reads well against pale stone in a way that white never does.
- New builds across Yorkshire's expanding commuter belt. Modern builds in Wetherby, Boston Spa, Sherburn in Elmet and similar areas were often fitted with cheap white uPVC during construction. Respraying to anthracite is the most affordable way to significantly improve the kerb appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Some homeowners choose to spray the front door in a contrasting colour, for example RAL 7021 near-black or a deep blue or green, while keeping the windows in RAL 7016 anthracite. We can match any RAL colour and can discuss combinations during the consultation. Sample panels for both are shown before work begins.
Darker colours do show mineral deposits and water marks more readily than white, particularly in areas with hard water. A wipe with a damp cloth every few weeks is usually sufficient to keep the frames looking clean. The sealed surface makes this straightforward. Interestingly, white uPVC tends to show discolouration from yellow and grey toning over time, which dark frames are not susceptible to.
We're not estate agents and won't make claims we can't substantiate. What we can say from practical experience is that refreshed, consistent, contemporary-looking window frames consistently improve kerb appeal, and estate agents across Yorkshire regularly comment on it. Whether that converts to a measurable uplift in price depends on the market and the property.
Written by the ColourHaus team · April 25, 2026 · More articles →