Understanding colour
How to identify a reference, compare colour systems and choose a sample. Short answers to help you move from a code to a material.
Reviewed on 8 November 2026 · Sources consulted
It is a colour identified by a reference within a RAL system or collection. The code lets manufacturers and customers communicate the shade they need. RAL defines colour references; it does not make paint, and a code alone does not certify the quality of a product.
Sources: RAL · definitions and colour charts · RAL Classic · official collection
The three main collections have the following sizes. Always specify the collection and the full code:
| Collection | Colours | How to recognise the code |
|---|---|---|
| RAL Classic | 216 | Four digits: RAL 9001 |
| RAL Design System plus | 1,825 | Seven digits: RAL 180 40 20 |
| RAL Effect | 490 | A hyphen: RAL 760-1; M for metallic colours |
RAL also offers Plastics P1 and P2: physical plastic samples of colours selected from Classic and Design. P1 contains 100 samples and P2 contains 200. They should not be counted as 300 additional colours on top of the original collections.
Design organises colours by hue, lightness and chroma. Effect contains 420 solid colours and 70 metallic colours.
Sources: RAL Classic · official collection · RAL Design System plus · structure and codes · RAL Effect · solid and metallic colours · RAL Plastics P1 · sample set · RAL Plastics P2 · opaque and transparent samples
They are physical colour samples for working with plastics. P1 contains 100 colours from RAL Classic. P2 contains 200 samples: 160 opaque samples from RAL Design System plus and 40 transparent samples. Their material, texture and thickness let you assess aspects a screen cannot reproduce.
Sources: RAL Plastics P1 · sample set · RAL Plastics P2 · opaque and transparent samples
First look for the reference on the packaging, technical data sheet or manufacturer’s documentation. If none is given, compare a sample with a physical colour chart or have the colour measured. The result may be the nearest RAL colour, without proving that it was the original code.
Sources: RAL · colour measurement
A photo can help narrow the choice, but it cannot confirm a RAL reference. Lighting and white balance change the recorded colour; the screen also affects what you see. Use the photo to select candidates, then compare physical samples with the object.
Sources: Sony · light and white balance · RAL · limits of digital colour
On this website you can browse colour pages and compare digital representations. For choosing paint or commissioning production, consult physical RAL samples. Colour fans help with selection; where a binding reference is needed, RAL distinguishes colour standards from charts intended for guidance.
Sources: RAL · definitions and colour charts
They are different colour reference systems. RAL is used in architecture, industry and design. Pantone includes PMS for graphics and printing, and FHI for fashion, home and interiors. Saying “Pantone” alone is not enough: the range and material also matter.
Sources: RAL Classic · official collection · Pantone · PMS and FHI systems · Pantone · coated and uncoated paper
Look for an approximate match and compare physical samples from both systems. A conversion table does not guarantee identical colours. Specify the Pantone range: C and U describe the appearance on coated and uncoated paper respectively. Agree the final sample with the producer.
Sources: Pantone · coated and uncoated paper · RAL · limits of digital colour
You can look for the closest digital shade, but the result depends on the values and comparison method. It does not necessarily identify a RAL paint. Converting HEX to RGB only changes how a digital colour is expressed; finding a similar RAL colour is a separate step.
Sources: RAL · limits of digital colour
RAL 5002 is Ultramarine blue. We do not give a Pantone code as an exact equivalent without a documented comparison specifying the range and material. For print reproduction, provide the printer with a physical RAL sample and approve a proof on the chosen paper.
Sources: RAL · colour 5002 · Pantone · coated and uncoated paper
RAL 9001 is Cream and belongs to RAL Classic. Its digital representation can help you choose a direction. When buying paint, ask for this code and check a sample of the actual product.
Sources: RAL · colour 9001 · RAL · limits of digital colour
One RAL Classic reference is RAL 1036, Pearl gold. “Gold” alone does not specify a unique colour or finish. Use a physical sample to assess the pearlescent effect; the colour swatch on this website is only a guide.
Sources: RAL · colour 1036 · RAL · limits of digital colour
The finish must be specified separately from the colour code. RAL offers semi-matt and gloss Classic samples, for example. When ordering paint, specify the reference, finish and substrate, and check a product sample before deciding.
Sources: RAL Classic · official collection · RAL Plastics P1 · sample set
These answers were written for Hue & Code using documentation from RAL, Pantone and Sony. The practical guidance is an editorial summary; it does not certify matches between systems or replace a manufacturing specification.