RAL colour codes give manufacturers, designers and customers a shared way to identify a colour. Instead of relying on descriptions such as “dark grey” or “bright red”, a RAL reference specifies the shade required. From window frames and railings to machinery and furniture, RAL colours help people communicate their colour choices across different products and […]
RAL colour codes give manufacturers, designers and customers a shared way to identify a colour. Instead of relying on descriptions such as “dark grey” or “bright red”, a RAL reference specifies the shade required.
From window frames and railings to machinery and furniture, RAL colours help people communicate their colour choices across different products and projects.
The history of RAL colour standardisation began in Germany in 1927 with a collection of 40 colours. Each shade received a reference number, making it easier for customers and manufacturers to communicate without exchanging a physical sample for every enquiry.
The initials RAL come from Reichsausschuss für Lieferbedingungen, the organisation founded in 1925. Its colour standards developed into the collections used internationally today.
RAL Classic contains 216 colours, each identified by a four-digit code and a colour name.
The first digit identifies the broad colour family:
| Code begins with | Colour family |
|---|---|
| 1 | Yellows |
| 2 | Oranges |
| 3 | Reds |
| 4 | Violets |
| 5 | Blues |
| 6 | Greens |
| 7 | Greys |
| 8 | Browns |
| 9 | Whites and blacks |
The remaining three digits identify the individual shade within the collection; they are not measurements of its lightness or colour strength.
When ordering, use the full RAL code alongside the colour name wherever possible. This helps avoid confusion between similar names or incorrectly entered numbers.
Introduced in 1993, RAL Design System plus offers a more systematically organised palette for architecture, interiors, product design and other creative projects. The current collection contains 1,825 colours.
Its seven-digit references are written in three groups: HHH LL CC.
HHH — Hue: the colour’s position around the colour wheel.
LL — Lightness: how light or dark it is.
CC — Chroma: how strong or muted the colour is.
This structure helps designers explore related colours and build coordinated schemes. RAL Design is a separate system from RAL Classic, so always provide the complete reference, including any leading zeros.
RAL references are widely used in architecture, construction, manufacturing and design. Typical projects include window frames, doors, gates, railings, machinery, equipment, furniture and interior fittings.
A shared colour reference helps different suppliers work towards the same specified shade. However, it describes the colour—not the paint’s suitability for a particular surface or job.
You still need to choose the appropriate paint system, preparation products and finish.
No. RAL Classic also includes fluorescent, pearlescent and other special-effect colours. RAL Effect is a separate collection containing solid and metallic shades.
Availability depends on the paint product. Do not assume that every RAL reference can be reproduced in every paint type; check before ordering a special-effect colour.
Start with the correct RAL reference, then select the paint type, finish and quantity suitable for your project.
Screen colours are an approximate guide. Where matching is important, check an official physical RAL reference and test the chosen paint before completing the job. An existing coating may also have changed through age, weathering or previous repairs.
At Your Spray Paints, you can browse RAL Classic and RAL Design colours, then choose from the available paint options. If you cannot find your code or need help choosing a suitable product, contact us with your colour reference and project details.
No. Conventional activated 2K aerosols normally contain a separate hardener that is released before use. Your Spray Paints 2K ADC is a non-isocyanate system and does not have an internal hardener vial, so it is important to check which type of 2K product you have ordered.
This depends on the exact products, whether the existing coating has fully cured and their chemical compatibility. Applying a strong solvent-based coating over an incompatible or insufficiently cured finish may cause lifting, wrinkling or another reaction. Check the technical information and test a small area first.
No. Some 2K coloured paints are designed as direct-finish coatings and do not require a separate lacquer. Basecoat systems normally require a compatible clear lacquer, while other finishes may use lacquer for additional protection or a particular appearance. Follow the instructions for the selected paint system.
Always read the product label, instructions and Safety Data Sheet before use. Aerosol paints contain flammable materials and produce airborne mist and vapour, so suitable ventilation, protective clothing, gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection may be required. Keep aerosols away from heat, sparks and other ignition sources.
Conventional isocyanate-containing 2K paints require specialist controls. When sprayed, they can produce an invisible mist capable of causing occupational asthma. They should only be sprayed in an appropriate controlled environment using the respiratory and exposure controls specified by the Health and Safety Executive.
Non-isocyanate 2K ADC does not carry the same isocyanate risk, but it remains a solvent-containing paint product and must still be used in accordance with its instructions and Safety Data Sheet.
Use our quick help tool to identify the most appropriate paint system before you order.
Once the paint system is chosen, find your colour and select the required finish.
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Paint Type
Answer these simple questions and we will guide you to the right type
| Preparation | Clean, degrease and lightly key |
| Primer | Etch Primer for bare metal (optional if painted) |
| Topcoat | 1K Poly Synthetic or 1K QAD Enamel (2K ADC also option) |
| Protection | Clear lacquer recommended for outdoor durability |
Tip: For best results, key lightly after primer cures.
ABS/PVC (most household plastics)
| Preparation | Degrease and lightly scuff the surface |
| Primer | Plastic Adhesion Primer recommended |
| Topcoat | 1K Poly Synthetic or 2K ADC |
| Outdoors | Clear lacquer improves UV resistance and longevity |
Tip: Smooth plastics rely on primer for adhesion — skipping it often causes peeling.
PP/PE (Difficult Plastics)
| Preparation | Clean thoroughly; avoid aggressive sanding |
| Primer | Strong Adhesion Plastic Primer essential |
| Topcoat | 1K Poly Synthetic or 2K ADC |
| Testing | Always test adhesion before full application |
Tip: If paint scratches off easily without primer, the plastic is usually PP or PE.
| Preparation | Sand smooth and seal with wood sealer |
| Primer | High-build primer optional for MDF types |
| Topcoat | 1K Cellulose |
| Outdoors | Ultra Clear lacquer recommended for moisture protection |
Tip: Light key between coats gives a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
| Preparation | Clean, dry and remove loose material |
| Primer | Masonry or sealing primer recommended |
| Topcoat | 1K QAD Enamel |
| Coverage | Porous surfaces may require extra coats |
Tip: Masonry absorbs paint quickly — allow longer drying time between coats.
| Preparation | Degrease thoroughly; do not sand |
| Primer | Plastic primer recommended |
| Topcoat | 1K Poly Synthetic |
| Protection | Ultra Clear lacquer improves scratch resistance |
Tip: Also perform a testing piece before full application.
| Preparation | Clean, degrease and sand appropriately |
| Primer | Epoxy & 2K HB primer as required |
| Topcoat | Basecoat matched to colour |
| Protection | 2K Clearcoat |
Tip: Always check the recommendations for each substrate and do not use epoxy and etch primer together.
| Surface Type | Unusual, mixed or specialist material |
| Risk | Incorrect paint choice may cause adhesion failure |
| Recommendation | Technical advice required before purchase |
| Next Step | Contact our Technical Services team |
Tip: If your project involves chemicals, composites, heat, solvents or industrial use, specialist guidance ensures the correct system is used first time.
| Preparation | Clean, degrease and lightly key |
| Primer | Etch Primer for bare metal (optional if painted) |
| Topcoat | 1K Poly Synthetic or 1K QAD Enamel (2K ADC also option) |
| Protection | Clear lacquer recommended for outdoor durability |
Tip: For best results, key lightly after primer cures.
ABS/PVC (most household plastics)
| Preparation | Degrease and lightly scuff the surface |
| Primer | Plastic Adhesion Primer recommended |
| Topcoat | 1K Poly Synthetic or 2K ADC |
| Outdoors | Clear lacquer improves UV resistance and longevity |
Tip: Smooth plastics rely on primer for adhesion — skipping it often causes peeling.
PP/PE (Difficult Plastics)
| Preparation | Clean thoroughly; avoid aggressive sanding |
| Primer | Strong Adhesion Plastic Primer essential |
| Topcoat | 1K Poly Synthetic or 2K ADC |
| Testing | Always test adhesion before full application |
Tip: If paint scratches off easily without primer, the plastic is usually PP or PE.
| Preparation | Sand smooth and seal with wood sealer |
| Primer | High-build primer optional for MDF types |
| Topcoat | 1K Cellulose |
| Outdoors | Ultra Clear lacquer recommended for moisture protection |
Tip: Light key between coats gives a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
| Preparation | Clean, dry and remove loose material |
| Primer | Masonry or sealing primer recommended |
| Topcoat | 1K QAD Enamel |
| Coverage | Porous surfaces may require extra coats |
Tip: Masonry absorbs paint quickly — allow longer drying time between coats.
| Preparation | Degrease thoroughly; do not sand |
| Primer | Plastic primer recommended |
| Topcoat | 1K Poly Synthetic |
| Protection | Ultra Clear lacquer improves scratch resistance |
Tip: Also perform a testing piece before full application.
| Preparation | Clean, degrease and sand appropriately |
| Primer | Epoxy & 2K HB primer as required |
| Topcoat | Basecoat matched to colour |
| Protection | 2K Clearcoat |
Tip: Always check the recommendations for each substrate and do not use epoxy and etch primer together.
| Surface Type | Unusual, mixed or specialist material |
| Risk | Incorrect paint choice may cause adhesion failure |
| Recommendation | Technical advice required before purchase |
| Next Step | Contact our Technical Services team |
Tip: If your project involves chemicals, composites, heat, solvents or industrial use, specialist guidance ensures the correct system is used first time.