What are RAL colours?
RAL is a standardised colour system that allows a colour to be specified and verified unambiguously, independent of manufacturer and material. RAL codes turn up throughout construction: paints and coatings, powder coating, window frames, gutters, steelwork and decorating.
Origin
RAL began in 1927 at the German Reichs-Ausschuss für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung. The first collection was called RAL 840 and contained forty colours. The system is now managed by RAL gGmbH.
The collections
| Collection | Number of colours | Since | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAL Classic | 216, after the 2020 expansion | 1927 | Four digit code such as RAL 7016 |
| RAL Design System plus | 1825 | 1993 | Based on CIELab, seven digit code |
| RAL Effect | 490, of which 420 solid and 70 metallic | 2007 | Effect finishes |
| RAL Plastics P1 and P2 | 100 and 200 respectively | Plastics |
Reading the codes
In RAL Classic the first digit indicates the colour group:
- 1000 yellow
- 2000 orange
- 3000 red
- 4000 violet
- 5000 blue
- 6000 green
- 7000 grey
- 8000 brown
- 9000 white and black
A RAL Design code runs to seven digits in three groups, HHH LL CC. HHH is the hue, 000 to 360 degrees on the CIELab colour circle. LL is lightness: the lower the value, the darker the colour. CC is chromaticity: the lower the value, the greyer the colour. RAL 270 30 20 is therefore a dark blue.
What a RAL number does not fix
This is where specifications go wrong. A RAL number fixes the colour, but not the gloss level, the texture or the binder. Those must be stated separately when ordering.
- Always state the gloss level, for example matt, satin or gloss.
- State smooth or textured. A textured coating noticeably changes how the colour reads.
- Expect variation between substrates. The same RAL code will not look identical on aluminium, steel and timber.
- Judge the colour on a physical sample in daylight, never on a screen.
Common codes on site include RAL 7016 anthracite grey and RAL 9010 pure white.
Related terms
- Powder coating
- Gloss level
- Colour sample
- NCS
- Coating
- Window frame
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.