RAL Colours: What They Are, Their History, and How They Are Used

Table of Contents

1. 1. The History of RAL Colours
   2. How RAL Colours Are Used in Industry
   3. Understanding RAL Colour Groups
   4. Spotlight on Key RAL Colours: RAL 9010, RAL 7035, RAL 7015, RAL 7024, RAL 7037, RAL 7001, RAL 7004
   5. Why Choosing the Right RAL Colour Matters
   6. Conclusion

The History of RAL Colours

The RAL Colour system was introduced in 1927 in Germany by the Reichs-Ausschuss für Lieferbedingungen (RAL), or the Reich Committee for Terms and Conditions of Sale. It was created to standardise colours across industries, ensuring that businesses, manufacturers, and designers could specify a colour accurately without variations between suppliers.

Initially, there were just 40 colours, but today, the system has expanded to over 2,500 shades, covering everything from classic industrial tones to vibrant, decorative finishes. The RAL Classic collection remains the most widely used for powder coating, industrial painting, and construction materials.

How RAL Colours Are Used in Industry

The RAL system is used in a vast range of sectors and applications, including:

🎨 Powder Coating & Paints – Ensuring consistency in architectural metalwork, vehicles, and machinery.

🏗️ Construction & Architecture – Used in window frames, doors, railings, and cladding.

🚗 Automotive & Transport – Specified for vehicles, commercial fleets, and aircraft components.

🏢 Interior & Exterior Design – Applied in furniture, fixtures, and decorative elements.

By using RAL Colours, manufacturers and customers can ensure precise colour matching across different materials and finishes.

Understanding RAL Colour Groups

The RAL Classic collection consists of 213 colours, organised into colour families, each with a four-digit code. The first digit represents the main colour group:

• 1xxx – Yellows & Beige Tones

• 2xxx – Oranges

• 3xxx – Reds

• 4xxx – Purples

• 5xxx – Blues

• 6xxx – Greens

• 7xxx – Greys

• 8xxx – Browns

• 9xxx – Whites & Blacks

For powder coating, grey tones from the 7xxx series and neutral whites from the 9xxx range are among the most commonly used.

Spotlight on Key RAL Colours

Certain RAL Colours are consistently in demand due to their versatility, durability, and industrial use. Here’s a closer look at some of the most frequently used greys and whites:

RAL 9010 – Pure White

A clean, crisp white, RAL 9010 is one of the most popular choices for architectural applications. It’s commonly used for window frames, doors, metal railings, and interior spaces, giving a bright, neutral finish.

RAL 7035 – Light Grey

This light grey is a staple in industrial and architectural finishes. It’s often used for machinery, electrical enclosures, and metal furniture, offering a neutral but modern appearance.

RAL 7015 – Slate Grey

A deeper, medium-dark grey, RAL 7015 is a favourite for steel structures, fencing, and powder-coated facades. It provides a strong, professional finish that hides dirt well, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

RAL 7024 – Graphite Grey

RAL 7024 is a deep graphite grey, widely used for automotive, industrial, and architectural applications. It’s a bold and sophisticated choice, often applied to window frames, doors, and cladding.

RAL 7037 – Dusty Grey

Sitting between light and dark greys, RAL 7037 has a muted, neutral tone, making it ideal for industrial enclosures, urban street furniture, and heavy-duty machinery.

RAL 7001 – Silver Grey

As its name suggests, Silver Grey (RAL 7001) has a metallic-inspired look, often chosen for transportation, metal railings, and structural steel. It pairs well with modern architectural designs.

RAL 7004 – Signal Grey

A balanced mid-grey, RAL 7004 is often used in engineering, transportation, and industrial powder coating applications. It provides a clean, technical appearance, making it a go-to choice for factories, storage units, and vehicle components.

Why Choosing the Right RAL Colour Matters

When specifying a RAL Colour, consider:

🎨 Aesthetic & Design Goals – Lighter shades like RAL 9010 are best for clean, modern looks, while RAL 7015 & RAL 7024 are more suited for industrial, heavy-duty finishes.

🛡️ Durability & Maintenance – Darker greys like RAL 7024 hide dirt and wear better than lighter shades.

🌍 Environmental Conditions – If the coating will be exposed to extreme weather, ensure it’s UV-stable and corrosion-resistant.