Choose ACP colour by finish family first, then RAL: solid colours and metallics for most facades, wood-grain and stone for warmth, mirror and sparkle for feature panels. For anything outdoors, insist on a PVDF (Kynar) coating — it holds the colour for 15–20 years, where cheap polyester chalks in a few. The detail that ruins facades is colour batch: order the whole job from one production run so panels match under sunlight.
Finish families, in plain terms
Solid: flat single colours across the full RAL range — the default. Metallic: aluminium-flake colours (silver, champagne, grey) that shift with light. Wood-grain and stone: printed looks for hospitality and residential. Mirror and sparkle: feature and signage. Match the finish to the building; most commercial facades are solid or metallic PVDF.
PVDF vs PE — the durability that matters
Coating decides how long the colour lasts. PVDF (2-coat/2-bake, ~25–35 micron) resists UV chalking and salt for 15–20 years and is the only sensible choice for a Gulf or coastal facade. Polyester (PE) is cheaper but fades and chalks within a few years outdoors — keep it for interiors and signage.
RAL, gloss and getting a real match
Specify the RAL number and the gloss level (matt, satin, gloss), not just “grey”. Gloss changes how a colour reads on a large facade. Ask the factory for a physical sample of the exact RAL, coating and gloss before committing, and approve it on site under daylight.
Colour batch — the mistake that shows
Aluminium coil is coated in batches, and two batches of the “same” RAL can differ slightly. On a facade that difference is visible. Order the entire panel quantity from one coil/coating batch, and keep 5–10% attic stock from the same run for future repairs, so replacements still match.
Frequently asked questions
What colours does ACP come in? The full RAL range in solid and metallic, plus wood-grain, stone, mirror and sparkle finishes.
What coating lasts longest outdoors? PVDF (Kynar/Hylar) — 15–20 years colour retention. Polyester (PE) chalks within a few years outdoors.
Why do my ACP panels look slightly different? Different coating batches of the same RAL vary slightly. Order the whole job from one batch and keep attic stock.
Should I specify gloss level? Yes — gloss (matt/satin/gloss) changes how a colour reads on a large facade; specify it with the RAL.
Related: ACP buyer’s guide · PVDF aluminium coil sourcing · aluminium roof panel colour selection guide.
Talk to the factory: GSM BuildTech (Beijing Guanshimao Technology Co., Ltd.) makes insulated aluminium panels, FR aluminium composite panels, standing-seam aluminium roofing and PVDF aluminium coil in Tianjin, China. Email sales@insulatedaluminumroof.com or WhatsApp +86 155 2274 6824 for factory-direct pricing. See the technical reference & FAQ.