GEALAN-acrylcolor® – PVC Window Technology That Changes The Game

What Is GEALAN-acrylcolor®? A Revolution in Colored Windows

GEALAN-acrylcolor® is much more than another color option. It’s a premium surface for PVC window profiles, combining white PVC base with acrylic glass (PMMA) in a process called co-extrusion. This technology, used for over 40 years (since 1980), is the result of German engineering precision. To date, over 80 million meters of profiles with acrylcolor® surface have been sold – proof that this is a solution proven by millions of users worldwide.

The history of this technology dates back to the early 1980s, when GEALAN was among the first manufacturers in Europe to innovate by combining two materials in a single production process. Over four decades, German engineers have consistently refined the process, increasing durability, improving the color palette, and optimizing technical parameters. Today, acrylcolor® is the most advanced PVC profile coloring technology available on the market.

As an authorized manufacturer of windows with GEALAN systems, at BWS Technika Budowlana we’ve been implementing projects for nearly 30 years where acrylcolor® surface plays a key role. We know from experience that this is technology for clients who don’t accept compromises. In our Lubliniec factory, we produce thousands of windows with acrylcolor® surface every year, which reach homes throughout Poland as well as demanding clients in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

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The Secret Lies In The Process – How acrylcolor® Surface Is Created

To understand the uniqueness of acrylcolor®, imagine two different chocolates – white and dark – that melt together at high temperature into one inseparable bar. They can no longer be separated. This is exactly how the co-extrusion process works:

1. White, liquid PVC melt flows from the main extruder at approximately 180°C
2. Colored acrylic melt (PMMA) flows from the co-extruder at precisely controlled temperature
3. Both materials bond inseparably in a special extruder die, where their molecular bonding occurs
4. Profiles pass through a calibration system that gives them precise shape
5. The outer layer is gently brushed with special rollers, achieving the characteristic satin, matte surface
6. The result? An acrylic layer 0.5mm thick – ten times thicker than standard paint

Unlike laminates or lacquers, where color is “glued” or “sprayed on”, in acrylcolor® there are no adhesive layers or primers. It’s one, permanent molecular-level bond. Imagine trying to separate water and milk after mixing them – it’s impossible. Similarly impossible is separating the acrylic layer from the PVC core in an acrylcolor® profile.

Why PMMA (acrylic glass)? It’s one of the hardest extrudable materials, used for decades in the most demanding industries. You’ll find it in car taillights, where for years it must withstand UV radiation, hail damage, extreme temperatures (from -40°C to +80°C), and aggressive chemicals. It’s also used in passenger aircraft windows, where it must withstand pressure and conditions at 10,000 meters altitude, and in submarine portholes – the ultimate proof of its reliability in extreme conditions.

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5 Reasons Why acrylcolor® Is The Best Investment

1. Inseparable Bond – Never Peels

Unlike laminates that use glued PVC film on a ready, white profile, the acrylic layer in acrylcolor® has no adhesive layer. The molecular bond between PVC and PMMA completely eliminates the risk of delamination, peeling or chipping. Even after decades, the surface remains uniform and smooth as on day one.

In our Lubliniec factory, we’ve been implementing projects using GEALAN profiles for years – clients return to us with references, confirming the unchanged quality of acrylcolor® even after 10-15 years of use. We have photos of projects from the 1990s where windows with acrylcolor® surface look today as good as newly produced ones. This is something that cannot be said about most laminated windows from that period.

Moreover, the similar thermal expansion of PVC and PMMA means both materials “work” synchronously with temperature changes. No stresses occur that could lead to cracks or surface delamination. This is one of the key advantages of co-extrusion technology over mechanical bonding of different materials.

2. Unchanging Color For Decades

The biggest nightmare for colored window owners is loss of color intensity due to sunlight. Acrylic glass (PMMA) has natural, exceptionally high resistance to UV radiation. While standard laminates or lacquers begin to fade after just 5-7 years, GEALAN-acrylcolor® surface doesn’t fade, yellow or change shade for 30-40 years, even on south-facing facades with full sun exposure.

Tests conducted by GEALAN according to DIN 53387 standard (accelerated aging in UV chamber) confirm that after exposure equivalent to 30 years of natural sunlight, the color change in acrylcolor® profiles is practically undetectable to the naked eye (ΔE < 2, meaning change below the threshold of human eye perception).

Moreover, if you’re planning phased window replacement in a building – for example, first in the living room and years later in bedrooms – you can be sure that new windows installed in 5 or 10 years will be identical in color to the first ones. This is impossible with laminates, which even from the same manufacturer can differ in shade between production batches.

3. Removing Scratches In 30 Seconds

This is where the real magic of acrylcolor® technology happens. The 0.5mm layer thickness (for comparison: standard powder coating is 0.05-0.1mm, laminates are 0.15-0.25mm) provides significant “material reserve” for polishing. Minor, surface scratches that are inevitable during use – rubbing when moving furniture, contact with keys, minor scrapes – can be removed using a gentle Scotch-Brite type cloth and a bit of water in just 30 seconds.

A gentle, circular motion on the scratched area is enough and the window regains its original, perfect appearance. This is something absolutely impossible with laminate or lacquer – there every damage is permanent and irreversible. Scratched film means replacing the entire sash or accepting a permanent flaw. With acrylcolor®, the problem disappears in half a minute.

In practice, this means your windows look like new for entire decades. You don’t need to worry about minor scratches during renovation work or daily use. This is especially important for families with children or homeowners where windows are intensively used.

4. Minimal Profile Heating

Dark window colors traditionally absorb sunlight, causing severe heating – up to +25-30°C above air temperature. In extreme cases, the surface temperature of dark laminated profiles can reach 70-80°C in full sun! This is a serious risk of thermal deformation, especially in large constructions.

GEALAN-acrylcolor® solves this problem in a brilliantly simple way: white PVC under the acrylic layer reflects most infrared rays (which are responsible for heating), while the colored PMMA layer allows some of this radiation to pass through to the white core. Thanks to this, even the most popular dark colors (anthracite, black) heat minimally – only by +5-8°C, which poses no risk to the construction.

This is especially important for large glazings such as HST patio doors or large-format panoramic windows, where dimensional stability of profiles is crucial. In our projects, we use acrylcolor® in constructions up to 2.8 meters high without the slightest concern about thermal deformation.

5. Easy Care

The smooth, perfectly non-porous acrylcolor® surface naturally repels dirt. Unlike some wood-like laminates with texture that has microscopic recesses collecting dust and contaminants, acrylcolor® remains smooth even under a microscope. This means dirt simply has nothing to “hold onto.”

For cleaning, a soft microfiber cloth and water with mild detergent suffice. No specialized chemical agents, no aggressive scrubbing, no effort – more time for you, less for cleaning. Importantly, the acrylcolor® surface is resistant to most cleaning agents (except organic solvents and abrasives), so you don’t need to worry about accidental damage during cleaning.

Ecology and Responsibility – Choice For The Future

In times when environmental awareness plays an increasingly important role, GEALAN-acrylcolor® technology represents a model of responsible production approach. All profiles made with this technology are 100% recyclable. Old windows can be processed into granulate that will serve to produce new profiles.

Moreover, GEALAN has implemented an advanced tri-extrusion (triple extrusion) process, which allows using core material from recycling while maintaining the outer, flawless layer of virgin PVC and PMMA. This is real action for a circular economy and reduced carbon footprint, without any compromises in quality and durability of the final product.

Additionally, the long lifespan of acrylcolor® profiles (30-40 years without replacement need) is a significant environmental factor – less waste, less transport, less CO₂ emissions related to production and installation of new windows.

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Color Palette 2025 – From Classics To Exclusive Metallics

Technological excellence goes hand in hand with unlimited design possibilities. GEALAN-acrylcolor® color offering has been carefully composed to meet diverse architectural trends:

Most popular shades:

• Anthracite (RAL 7016) – undisputed leader, chosen in over 45% of modern projects
• Black (RAL 9005) – synonym of modern minimalism and elegance
• Greys in various tones – from light (RAL 7035, 7040) to dark (RAL 7015, 7021)
• Browns and beiges – from light, warm tones to deep, chocolate shades
• Green (bottle, fir shades) – increasingly popular in homes surrounded by nature
• White with protective acrylcolor layer – for purists who value classics

Exclusive metallic colors (ONLY GEALAN): As the only manufacturer on the market, GEALAN offers PMMA surface in sophisticated metallic colors, where metallic pigments are integrated directly into the acrylic layer:

• Metallic anthracite (DB 703) – absolute 2025 trend, perfect for modern architecture
• Silver metallic – cool, technological look
• Bronze metallic – warm accent in modern construction
• Gold metallic – prestigious premium finish
• Pearl beige – subtle luster with a note of elegance

Thanks to metallic pigments in the PMMA layer, windows shimmer in sunlight like brushed aluminum – while retaining all PVC advantages (warmth, silence, easy maintenance) and at a significantly lower price than real aluminum.

Special colors: An extended palette of over 50 RAL shades is available for custom orders for larger architectural projects. In our practice, we also implement unusual colors matched to historic facades or architects’ specific requirements.

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Who Is acrylcolor® For? When Does This Solution Make Sense

Modern and minimalist homes

Dark colors (anthracite, black) without overheating risk. Premium aluminum look at PVC price. Perfectly complements glass, concrete and steel – foundations of contemporary architecture.

Buildings in harsh weather conditions

Extreme climate resistance – from freezing winters to hot summers. Ideal for coastal regions (salt resistance), industrial areas (pollution and smog resistance), or mountain terrains (extreme temperature changes).

Commercial investments and public buildings

Office buildings, hotels, restaurants – wherever prestige matters, impeccable aesthetics for years and minimal maintenance. Zero downtime related to woodwork renovation.

Family homes with future in mind

For owners who plan long-term and value peace of mind. Families with children will appreciate the ability to repair minor scratches. Seniors – ease of cleaning.

Architectural projects with high aesthetic requirements

Where color consistency is crucial and where future woodwork replacement must guarantee identical shade.

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Investment That Pays Off – Economic Perspective

Windows with GEALAN-acrylcolor® surface are a premium investment, but significantly more affordable than aluminum. Slightly more than high-quality laminates, with the fundamental difference that over 20-30 years it proves much more economical.

Traditional laminates may require replacement after 10-15 years. Faded colors, peeling corners, damaged surface – this is a real prospect for most laminated windows. Acrylcolor works unchanged for 30-40 years. A one-time investment eliminates future expenses for replacement or renovation.

Zero maintenance costs for surface renewal – you don’t need to plan budget for future repainting or film replacement. Unchanging aesthetic value is also a real increase in property value. A home with premium windows that look like new after 20 years is an argument when selling or renting.

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GEALAN Systems Available With acrylcolor® Surface

Acrylcolor® technology is available across the full range of GEALAN systems, providing unlimited design possibilities:

GEALAN S8000 – 5-chamber system with 76mm depth, Uw=0.9-1.0 W/(m²K). Perfect solution for standard residential buildings, meets Passive House requirements.

GEALAN S9000 – flagship 6-chamber system, 82.5mm, Uw=0.73-0.92 W/(m²K). Dedicated to passive construction and premium projects. This is the system where we most often use acrylcolor® surface.