If you’ve ever tried to describe a colour over the phone — “it’s a bit like British Racing Green, but lighter, and sort of slatey” — you’ll know it rarely works. For anything where colour accuracy matters, you need a standard reference system.
The most widely used system in industrial and architectural coatings is RAL.
What Is RAL?
RAL is a colour matching system that originated in Germany in the 1920s. It assigns a unique four-digit code to each colour in its palette, giving every shade a universal identifier that means exactly the same thing in London, Leeds, or Lahore.
For example:
– RAL 6005 is a dark moss green
– RAL 7016 is a dark grey with a slight blue tint (anthracite grey)
– RAL 9005 is a deep black, not to be confused with pure black
– RAL 5010 is a cornflower blue
There are several RAL collections, but the two most commonly referenced for powder coating are:
– RAL Classic — approximately 215 colours, the original and most widely recognised range
– RAL Design — over 1,600 colours, organised by hue, lightness, and saturation for more precise matching
For most architectural and domestic projects, RAL Classic covers the vast majority of requirements.
British Standard Colours
In the UK, you may also encounter BS 4800, the British Standard colour schedule for building and construction finishes. Many architects and specifiers reference BS colours directly. A good trade powder coater will be able to match to BS 4800 references as well as RAL.
How to Use RAL When Requesting a Quote
When you ask for a powder coating quote, specifying the RAL or BS reference removes all ambiguity. You don’t need to describe the colour at all — just provide the code.
For example: *”We’d like the railings powder coated in RAL 7016, semi-gloss.”*
That single line tells the coater exactly what is needed. Without a RAL reference, descriptions like “mid-grey” or “a dark green like a fence” are genuinely open to wide interpretation.
Does It Have to Be a Standard RAL Colour?
No — but standard colours are cheaper and faster because they are stock products. Custom colours can be mixed, but there are implications:
– Minimum order quantities may apply for non-stock colours
– There may be a small premium for custom matching
– It’s worth asking your coater to produce a sample chip before committing to a large batch, as the cured finish can look slightly different to the theoretical colour
Gloss Levels
Colour is only one part of the specification. You also need to decide on the gloss level — how shiny the finished surface will be.
– Gloss — high shine, typically 85+ gloss units. Bold and modern.
– Semi-gloss — around 60–70 gloss units. A popular choice for architectural work.
– Satin — around 30–45 gloss units. Soft sheen, easy to clean.
– Matt — below 20 gloss units. Contemporary, hides surface imperfections well.
Most architectural powder coating for domestic and commercial properties is specified in semi-gloss or satin. Full gloss is more common for industrial equipment.
The Practical Upshot
When you contact a powder coater with your requirements, specifying the RAL or BS reference and gloss level is the single most useful thing you can do. It means:
– You get the colour you expected, not a pleasant approximation
– The coater can confirm availability and price quickly
– There are no arguments on collection
– Your project colour will be consistent if you need further work done later
If you don’t know which RAL reference you need, describe the application and the visual you’re trying to achieve — a good coater will guide you to the right standard reference.