uPVC window colours and foil finishes

White uPVC was the only realistic choice for years, but modern foils have changed that entirely. Today you can have anthracite grey, jet black, cream, chartwell green or a convincing woodgrain finish that looks like painted timber from the pavement. This guide explains how coloured uPVC is made, which finishes are most popular, how durable they are and what they typically add to the price.

How coloured uPVC is made

Colour is applied as a foil — a thin, tough laminate bonded to the surface of the white uPVC profile under heat and pressure. The foil is UV-stable and weatherproof, so it does not fade or peel like paint. You can have the colour on the outside only, with white inside (a popular, cheaper choice), or on both faces for a fully coloured look. Woodgrain foils even carry a subtle embossed texture to mimic timber.

The most popular colours

Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is by far the biggest seller, giving a smart, contemporary contrast against brick or render. Black is on the rise for a bold, modern frontage. Cream and Chartwell green suit period and cottage homes, and Golden Oak or Rosewood woodgrains recreate a traditional timber look — ideal for the sash windows covered elsewhere on this site. Dual-colour finishes let you match the exterior to your home and keep a bright white interior.

Durability and upkeep

Quality foils are designed to last the life of the window without fading, and most carry a colour guarantee from the profile manufacturer. Care is the same as white uPVC: a wipe with warm soapy water now and then. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can dull the finish. Our maintenance and lifespan guide has the full care routine.

What colour adds to the price

Coloured and woodgrain finishes typically add a modest premium per window over standard white, because of the foil itself and the extra manufacturing step. External-only colour is cheaper than colour on both faces, and dual-colour sits in between. The exact uplift varies by installer and colour, so it is worth asking for the white price and the coloured price side by side. Our uPVC window prices guide puts the colour premium in the context of overall costs.

Matching colour to your home

Consider the brick or render, the roof, the front door and any neighbouring houses when you choose. Grey works with almost everything; black is striking but bold; heritage colours flatter older properties. Whichever style you pick from our window styles guide, a good installer can show you samples against your walls before you commit.