Anthracite grey and woodgrain uPVC frames are now as common as white. We explain how lamination works, the risks of solar heat gain and fading, and which option suits the Muğla climate.
Until a few years ago, uPVC windows simply meant white. Today, in new villas around Ortaca, Dalyan and Fethiye, we see anthracite grey, golden oak and walnut finishes as often as white. Coloured uPVC gives a facade a modern or warm character; however, if the wrong production method is chosen, problems such as heat build-up in the sun, colour change and foil peeling can occur. In this guide we explain how coloured uPVC is made, what to watch out for and which choices suit the local climate.
How is coloured uPVC made?
There are several ways to produce coloured frames:
- Lamination (foil wrapping): An acrylic-surfaced decorative foil is bonded to the visible faces of a white or coloured-core profile using special adhesive and heat. This is the most common method; plain colours and woodgrain finishes are produced this way.
- Through-coloured (mass-coloured) profile: The entire profile body is extruded from coloured compound. Scratches do not reveal white underneath, but colour options are limited.
- Acrylic co-extrusion: A thin coloured acrylic layer is extruded onto the surface together with the profile. Since there is no foil edge, there is no risk of peeling.
- Paint: Special paint can be applied to uPVC afterwards, but whether it matches the durability of factory lamination depends on the quality of application.
Lamination can be applied to one face (outside or inside only) or both. A window that is anthracite outside and white inside matches the facade while keeping the interior bright.
Sun, heat and colour: what to watch out for
Dark surfaces absorb more sunlight. Under the same sun, an anthracite profile heats up noticeably more than a white one. During Muğla’s long, hot summers, especially on south and west facades, this difference matters. Heat can cause expansion in the profile, slight bowing in long sashes and stiffness in sliding sashes.
These risks are managed through correct manufacturing:
- Galvanised steel reinforcement: Continuous reinforcement of the right thickness inside the sash and frame of coloured profiles balances thermal movement.
- Heat-reflective foil: Some decorative foils are designed to reflect the infrared part of solar radiation, lowering the surface temperature of dark colours.
- Sash dimensions: In dark colours, very tall and narrow sashes should be avoided and the manufacturer’s size limits respected.
- Welding and corner finishing: After laminated profiles are welded, the corners are colour-touched. Careful workmanship determines both the appearance and the life of the foil.
Anthracite or woodgrain?
Anthracite grey stands out on clean-lined modern villas, white rendered facades and designs with aluminium details. On stone-clad houses, traditional-style buildings around Köyceğiz and Dalyan, and gardens with timber pergolas, golden oak, walnut or mahogany finishes look more natural. Woodgrain foils have a textured surface, so from a distance they look close to real timber, yet they need no painting or varnishing.
When deciding on a colour, do not rely only on the small sample in the catalogue. The same colour looks different on a sunny facade and in shade. Holding the sample against the facade and looking at it separately in the morning and afternoon, together with the roof tiles, railings, shutters and door colour, is the soundest approach. For holiday homes within a gated complex, checking in advance whether there is a common facade scheme or a management decision prevents disputes later.
| Feature | White | Anthracite (laminated) | Woodgrain (laminated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat gain in sun | Low | High | Medium |
| Visibility of dirt and marks | Medium | Dust may show | Low |
| Visibility of scratches | Low | Medium | Low (texture hides them) |
| Suitable architecture | Any style | Modern, minimal | Stone houses, rustic, traditional |
| Cost | Most economical | Higher | Higher |
Caring for coloured uPVC
Laminated surfaces are as easy to maintain as white uPVC, but a few rules apply. Clean with lukewarm water and a pH-neutral detergent; abrasive creams, scouring pads, solvents (thinner, acetone) and chlorine-based products damage the foil surface. In seaside homes, salt crystals build up on the surface; wiping with a soft cloth before and after the season keeps the colour vivid. If you notice the foil lifting or an edge opening, calling for service promptly prevents the problem from growing.
Questions to ask before ordering
- Will lamination be on one face or both?
- Is the foil suitable for exterior use, and how is its UV resistance documented?
- What is the reinforcement thickness and the maximum sash size for dark colours?
- Does the gasket colour match the profile (black for anthracite, brown or black for woodgrain)?
- Can handles, hinge covers and insect screens be supplied in the same shade?
Conclusion
When properly manufactured, coloured and laminated uPVC is an attractive, low-maintenance solution that stays vivid for many years. If you choose a dark colour in a hot climate, pay particular attention to the reinforcement, foil quality and sash dimensions. To help you decide which colour and finish suits your facade, our team offers a free site survey and measurement and shows colour samples on site.
