Every color imaginable has a specific code associated with it in the RAL color matching system. RAL stands for “Reichs-Ausschuß für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung” which translates to “Imperial Commission for Delivery Terms and Quality Assurance” in English. It is a colour matching system that is widely used for varnish, powder coating, plastics, and other industrial paint applications. The RAL system provides specific codes for thousands of colours, allowing consistent colour reproduction across different mediums and manufacturers. So in short, yes every colour does have a corresponding RAL code.
Overview of the RAL Colour System
The RAL colour system originated in Germany in 1927 and has been updated several times over the years. It is administered by the German RAL gGmbH institute. The original RAL Classic system defined 40 colours, but it was expanded to 210 colours in 1961. An additional 840 colours were added in 1993 under RAL Design to bring the total to 1050. Today, there are over 2600 colours standardized in the RAL system across various colour fans.
Each RAL colour has a specific code with RAL XXXX format, where XXXX is a four digit number identifying that particular colour. For example, RAL 9016 is the code for Traffic White and RAL 5002 is Ultramarine Blue. The four digit numbers allow for distinct identification of thousands of colours.
The RAL colours are described by their chromaticity coordinates and testing procedures are outlined to verify colour consistency across different materials and processes. This ensures that a RAL code will refer to the same color regardless of plastic, coating, ink etc. that it is applied to. RAL colours serve as an industry standard for colour communication and control.
RAL Colour Fans and Groups
The RAL colours are categorized into various colour fans or groups:
RAL Classic
The original RAL Classic fan deck consists of 213 colours, including 40 colours from the first RAL edition and 170 additional colours added over time. This is considered the core RAL colour range.
RAL Design
The RAL Design fan was added later to extend the colour selection for plastics applications. It contains 1950 colours with brighter, more saturated hues than Classic.
RAL Effect
The RAL Effect fan comprises of 420 colour shades with special effect finishes like metallic, pearl, or fluorescent.
RAL Skin Colour
This fan has 36 realistic skin tone colours for medical, fashion, and cosmetics applications.
RAL Signal Colour
This contains 170 colours specified for safety signals and signage applications.
| RAL Colour Fan | Number of Colours |
|---|---|
| RAL Classic | 213 |
| RAL Design | 1950 |
| RAL Effect | 420 |
| RAL Skin Colour | 36 |
| RAL Signal Colour | 170 |
So in total, there are over 2600 defined RAL colours across these major colour fans or systems, not counting some additional specialty ranges.
Finding the RAL Colour Code
There are several ways to find the specific RAL code for any colour:
RAL Colour Charts and Fans
Physical RAL colour fans and charts display the standard colours in a fan deck format, with the colour shade on one side and the RAL code marked next to it. The most complete collections contain chips for all 2600+ RAL colours. Matching a colour visually to the closest standard provides the RAL code.
RAL Online Colour Chart
RAL also provides an online colour chart that displays all the colours in their digital library. One can browse through the different fans or enter colour values to search for the closest matching RAL code.
Mobile Apps
Some mobile apps like RAL ColourChart allow scanning a colour with your phone camera and provide the nearest RAL match automatically.
Manufacturer RAL Reference Charts
Paint or plastic manufacturers will often provide RAL reference charts that map their own colour offerings to RAL codes for easy specification.
Online RAL Conversion Tools
For custom colours, there are online tools that convert numeric values like Pantone, HSV, RGB, HEX, or CMYK to the nearest matching official RAL colour specification.
So while not every colour has a unique RAL name, any colour can be matched to its closest predefined RAL colour code through these methods.
Benefits of Using RAL Colours
Some key benefits of using RAL colour codes include:
– Consistent colour reproduction – The standardized colour definitions ensure the same colour every time.
– Universal colour communication – Specifying RAL codes conveys the exact colour across borders and languages.
– Wide colour selection – With over 2600 options, RAL offers an extensive colour range.
– Precision colour matching – The closest RAL colour can be easily identified for any custom colour.
– Supports quality control – RAL control procedures guarantee colour consistency in manufacturing.
Overall, the universal nature and precision of RAL colour codes makes them invaluable for colour control across industries.
Applications of RAL Colours
RAL colours have a wide range of applications:
Industrial Coatings
Powder coated finishes on metal, liquid paints on furnishings, industrial equipment etc. are specified by RAL codes for consistent results.
Plastics
Plastic components and parts are produced in RAL colours. Injection molding, extrusion and more utilize RAL for colour conformity.
Printing Inks
Printed materials like marketing collateral, product labels, and packaging use RAL inks for accurate colour reproductions.
Fibreglass and Composites
Fibreglass reinforced polyester, gelcoat finishes and other composites are available in a range of RAL colours.
Construction Materials
RAL colours are specified for coatings and finishes on steel, aluminium, wood, and other construction materials.
Electrical Insulation
Cables, wiring, and electrical insulation materials can be produced in RAL colours for coding purposes.
So in summary, RAL colour codes are a vital standard across manufacturing, construction, and engineering for consistent colour quality and communication.
RAL Colours for Signage
Within signmaking, RAL colours are especially important for safety signage and wayfinding symbols:
Safety Signs
Safety signs for hazards, warnings, fire protection etc. should use RAL colours that conform to ISO and OSHA standards for high visibility and correct interpretation.
Wayfinding and Facility Signage
Interior wayfinding signs utilize specific RAL colours to help differentiate between departments or wayfinding categories.
Signal and Transportation Signs
Traffic signs, signals, road marking paints, and transportation signage all leverage RAL colours for clarity and visibility.
RAL colours enable uniformity across safety signage at industrial facilities, commercial spaces, construction sites, and road infrastructure for clear communication and compliance.
Limitations of RAL Colours
Despite the universal nature of RAL codes, there are some limitations:
Exact Matches Not Always Possible
While RAL provides the closest colour specification match, it may not be an exact match for every custom colour.
Appearance Varies Across Materials
The same RAL colour can look slightly different on metal, plastic, paint, print etc. due to material properties and textures.
Lighting Conditions Affect Perception
RAL colours can appear to be slightly different shades depending on the lighting conditions they are viewed in.
Colour Rendering Depends on Quality
Low quality paints, plastics or coatings may not accurately reproduce RAL colours compared to high quality ones.
Metamerism Can Cause Mismatches
Metamerism effects cause colours to match under certain lighting but not others. This can result in apparent mismatches of RAL colours.
So while extremely useful, the RAL system is not a perfect and absolute colour standard. Environmental factors can cause deviations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common frequently asked questions about RAL colours:
Are RAL colours expensive?
RAL colours are not necessarily expensive by themselves. However, custom matched RAL colours and coatings from high quality suppliers that accurately match colours can be pricier than lower quality or non-RAL options.
Where can I buy RAL colour charts?
Official RAL colour fans and charts can be purchased through standards organizations, RAL retailers, paint stores, and industrial coatings suppliers. Larger colour collections with more RAL choices tend to be more expensive.
How do I convert Pantone to RAL colours?
There are online RAL-Pantone conversion calculators and colour matching apps that will recommend the closest corresponding RAL colour for any input Pantone colour. Some colour variation is expected.
Can I specify RAL colours for my interior paint?
Yes, many major paint brands allow specifying RAL codes for interior wall paints. However, an exact match is usually not guaranteed due to differences in paint formulation. Close alternatives are provided.
Are RAL colours used for exterior paint?
RAL is most commonly used for industrial and construction coatings. While less typical, some RAL colours can also be matched to exterior paint for home or commercial use upon request.
So in summary, RAL is a universally recognized colour standard that makes colour control and specification easier across many industries and applications. Although not perfect, it provides the closest colour match for the vast majority of colours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, every colour imaginable does have a corresponding RAL colour code, allowing it to be accurately specified, communicated, and reproduced as per the RAL colour standard. While not completely perfect, the RAL system provides the closest match to any colour and is the leading colour specification for industrial, manufacturing, construction and engineering applications worldwide. So if precise colour control and consistency is required, RAL colour codes can be utilized for virtually any colour.
