Sandstone Grey or Gull Grey?

Gull Grey is clearly lighter, with an LRV of 51%, and reflects more heat. Sandstone Grey is the stronger mid-tone.

Can scratches be touched up?

NZ Steel doesn't recommend touch-up paint on any COLORSTEEL. It says minor scratches are best left alone, because the metallic coating still protects the steel, and widespread damage should be fixed by replacing the affected sheets.

Sandstone Grey COLORSTEEL: Classic or Low Gloss, and how it looks

Sandstone GreyA natural grey, in two finishes.

Sandstone Grey is a strong, natural grey that NZ Steel says sits comfortably among native planting and architectural features. It's one of only five colours made in both Classic and Low Gloss, so there's a finish decision as well as a colour one. NZ Steel publishes a TSR of 41% and an LRV of 27% for it.

Updated 28 October 2026 · Written by the Find My Roofer team · How we check our facts

Classic or Low Gloss Sandstone Grey?

	Classic	Low Gloss
What NZ Steel says	The original COLORSTEEL finish	A softer finish that reduces reflectivity
In the sun	More sheen	Less shine
Published heat figures	TSR 41%, LRV 27%, finish not stated	NZ Steel says Low Gloss figures are on its website
Worth it when	You like the traditional look	Glare toward neighbours or the street matters

What does Sandstone Grey look like?

A solid mid-grey, neither pale nor charcoal. Because NZ Steel pairs it with native planting and architectural features, it suits a modern home with timber and concrete as well as a bungalow in a leafy street.

Ask which finish your sample is. Low Gloss and Classic chips of the same colour won't look alike in sun.

How hot does it get?

TSR is the share of solar heat a colour reflects, and a higher number keeps the roof cooler. Sandstone Grey's 41% sits between Gull Grey at 57% and Thunder Grey at 29%.

NZ Steel doesn't say which finish that figure belongs to, and keeps separate Low Gloss figures online. If heat decides it, ask for the number that matches your finish.

Coast, geothermal and the quote

MAXAM suits most homes, coast included; ALTIMATE is built for extremely severe marine sites and breaking surf. Within 100 metres of salt water, NZ Steel asks you to confirm the warranty with COLORSTEEL. In geothermal country, your roofer should check with NZ Steel.

Have the quote spell out the product, the colour and the finish. Real COLORSTEEL is branded on the reverse of each sheet, so you can check on delivery.

What we'd pick

If glare or a softer look matters, we'd lean to Low Gloss Sandstone Grey; otherwise Classic is a safe default. Either way, we'd look at both samples outside before choosing, since screens can't be trusted with colour. We're not affiliated with NZ Steel.

Want a roofer to take a look?

Tell us the job and your postcode. We match it with a Find My Roofer certified roofer who specialises in that kind of work, and they call you to quote. Your number goes to them alone.

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