Vertik‑Al has released its latest annual paint audit, revealing that monotone shades completely dominated powder coating demand in 2025. The UK’s largest independent powder coater tracked powder usage across its vertical and three horizontal lines over a 12‑month period, with the top 20 colours consisting exclusively of greys, blacks and whites.
Anthracite Grey in a matt finish retained its position as Vertik‑Al’s most frequently used powder – a trend that has continued for around six years. However, this is the first time that every entry in the top 20 has been a monotone shade. Jet Black and Hipca White once again ranked second and third, and both appeared multiple times in the top 20 due to powders supplied by different manufacturers. Variants of black and white accounted for 70% of the list, with the remaining entries made up of greys.
Across the year, Vertik‑Al applied more than 1,055 colours in total, with the overall powder tonnage equivalent to the weight of 12 large excavators or 43 African elephants. Matt finishes remained the clear preference, with only one gloss and one satin finish appearing in the top 20. A notable addition was White Aluminium, a matt metallic shade that secured 10th place and highlighted the quality of Vertik‑Al’s coatings.
The 2025 audit also showed a marked shift away from the mid‑tone greys that were popular in 2024. Shades such as Khaki Grey, Moss Grey, Silk Grey and Pebble Grey were replaced by more extreme tones – brighter whites, deeper blacks and near‑black greys. This movement aligns with Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, marking the first time the institute has selected a white shade since the initiative began in 1999.
“Conducting our end of year audit is always an interesting exercise,” commented Vertik-Al group managing director, John Park-Davies. “While Anthracite Grey, Jet Black and Hipca White are consistently popular, it’s fascinating to see how other monotones have replaced the high-ranking mid-tones of recent years.”
For powder coaters, these extreme colours present additional challenges, with white in particular exposing even the smallest imperfections. John added: “What these results prove is how our customers trust us to produce flawless coatings, whatever the colour or finish. We can achieve the very best architectural powder coatings, consistently and with confidence, because we’re committed to quality.”
Vertik‑Al has held QUALICOAT-approved applicator status since 1999 and is one of only a small number of companies able to offer QUALICOAT Seaside class powder coating for exposed environments. It is also the only architectural aluminium applicator in the UK and Ireland to hold the GSB International Master Seal for Approved Coater Aluminium. Combined with fast lead times, competitive pricing and a strong reputation for quality, the company continues to position itself as a leading force in architectural powder coating.
