RAL 7016 or RAL 7021: the difference between anthracite grey and black grey

RAL 7016 has been the standard colour for modern window frames in the Netherlands for years. Yet our customers order a sample of RAL 7021 almost as often. Both are dark grey. The difference lies in the lightness and in the chroma.

The two colours side by side

Colour	Name	Lightness (L*)	Leans towards	LRV
RAL 7016	Anthracite grey	25.7	blue	8.1
RAL 7021	Black grey	20.5	virtually neutral	6.5

Official RAL values. For comparison: RAL 9005 Jet black is darker still.

RAL 7016 Anthracite grey

A dark grey with a low chroma towards blue. That blue lean is decisive. Next to a warm material such as wood or brick, the coolness comes clearly to the fore. That is exactly why the colour is chosen so often for window frames, and why it sometimes disappoints. On a sunlit façade 7016 looks grey. On a façade in shade it looks almost black.

RAL 7021 Black grey

A very dark grey, close to black. Darker than 7016 and virtually neutral. Chosen where black is too hard but anthracite grey too light. Widely applied on window frames, façade elements and structural parts.

When to choose which?

Choose 7016 if the colour has to match existing window frames, gutters or fencing. In most new-build housing that is already 7016. Choose 7021 if you want a darker and calmer appearance without the hard contrast of black. If in doubt, order a sample of both. Hold them side by side against the façade, in sun and in shade. The difference is then immediately clear.

A practical point: dark colours heat up more in the sun than light ones. For uPVC window frames and façade cladding this needs attention. Discuss it with your supplier.

Ordering: individual RAL K4 colour samples of 7016 and 7021, or the RAL K5 fan deck.

Source: colour data according to RAL; RAL-Shop sales figures. See also: The best-selling RAL colours.