What RAL 7016 Looks Like
RAL 7016 is a deep, slightly blue tinted dark grey. Sometimes called anthracite grey or graphite grey, it sits in the dark grey family at the cooler, bluer end of the spectrum. Under direct sunlight it appears medium dark grey. In overcast conditions or at dusk it reads almost black. This dual character is why it works so well in Irish light, it adapts to changing weather without ever looking flat or washed out. Compared to RAL 9005 jet black, RAL 7016 is slightly softer and less stark. Compared to RAL 7012 basalt grey, RAL 7016 is darker and bluer.
Why RAL 7016 Became the Irish Standard
Window manufacturers across Europe adopted RAL 7016 as the default anthracite finish around 2010. Schüco, Internorm, Velfac, Munster Joinery, and most other Irish window suppliers offer RAL 7016 as a standard frame colour. Architects specified anthracite frames against white render for contemporary new builds, and the look became dominant. The cill specification followed the window. By 2020, RAL 7016 was the default cill colour on most contemporary Irish projects. Today it is so common that it is the assumed default unless the architect specifies otherwise.
What RAL 7016 Pairs With
RAL 7016 anthracite cills work with white silicone render (the most common combination in Ireland), light grey render, brick (red, buff, or grey), stone (limestone, granite, sandstone), timber cladding (Siberian larch, thermowood, accoya), and metal cladding (zinc, anthracite aluminium). The colour is intentionally neutral and dark, so it provides a strong visual edge against almost any wall finish. The most striking combination remains white render with anthracite cills and anthracite windows, the contemporary Irish house in 2026.
Specifying RAL 7016 for Your Project
Order RAL 7016 by selecting it in the CILLS app or specifying it in your contract documents. The full spec is RAL 7016, satin matt finish, 60 to 80 micron film thickness, polyester powder coat, applied to marine grade aluminium. We powder coat to RAL 7016 daily, so it carries no lead time premium versus other RAL colours. Standard 3 to 5 working day turnaround applies. For coastal projects, specify the hybrid silicone polyester finish at 80 to 120 microns, this carries a small premium but is standard practice within 5km of the coast.
Maintaining RAL 7016 Cills
Powder coated RAL 7016 cills require effectively no maintenance. An annual rinse with clean water removes accumulated dust and pollen. Avoid abrasive cleaners, wire brushes, or pressure washers above 800 psi. The 25 year fade guarantee applies provided the cill is not damaged or coated with abrasive material. In coastal locations, rinse the cills with fresh water every six months to prevent salt accumulation, this extends the life of the powder coating significantly.
