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Think a rainbow is colourful? Think again.
In 1925 the German State Commission for Delivery Terms and Quality Assurance developed Reichsausschuß für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung as a colour matching system, similar to the Pantone® system used in printing.
The colour matching system is now known as the RAL colour system, It’s the most popular Central European Colour Standard in use today and in it you will see the colours used in architecture, construction, industry, recreation and road safety.
What is a RAL colour?
RAL colours are used for information defining standard colours for varnish, powder coating and plastics.
The RAL system began with 40 colours and now consists of over 2,500 colours, each identified by a unique RAL code.
The beginning number tells us the generic range, and the full code is the specific shade. For example, RAL 2 refers to the orange palette, and the full code RAL 2013 is ‘pearl orange’.
RAL colours are used across a wide variety of industries, such as architecture, automotive, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms and glazing. In each of these industries colour plays a significant role, and RAL is a common standard for identifying colours.
They are also used in the fenestration industry when designing and installing new windows, doors and conservatories in a variety of colours and finishes.
The RAL colour chart is the most popular colour standard used in Europe for powder coating, plastics, paints and varnish. When you order coloured window frames or doors it’s likely that your supplier will use the RAL colour chart to match the windows or doors to your preferred shade.
The colours available will depend on the specific style and material that you decide on, but you could have up to 150+ RAL colours available to choose between.
An advantage of using RAL colours is that they provide a standardised reference for colour communication – RAL codes are universal, and can easily be understood by manufacturers, installers, and their customers, making it easy to achieve colour consistency and accuracy.
If a product has a RAL certification, this indicates that its quality exceeds the legal regulations and standards. Since your product will be above and beyond the legal standards, you can expect your products to last longer for your project than non-RAL-certified products.
How long the colour lasts will depend on the material it’s used for. In the case of uPVC, aluminium, timber and composite materials, expect average lifespans of at least 25 to 35 years without needing any maintenance to enhance the colour.
How do I find my RAL colour?
When you choose Residence Collection windows and doors, you’ll have own colour palette curated to inspire you to achieve the perfect colour combination. This diverse colour palette consists of an eclectic mix of authentic finishes covering a number of architectural styles. We can offer everything from timeless classics like Grained White to contemporary favourites such as Cotswold Green.
You also have the opportunity to choose a dual finish so that you have a contrasting internal colour that complements your indoor space as elegantly as the external colour suits your outdoor surrounds.
If available, you’ll find corresponding nearest RAL colours on the individual colour pages. A RAL number covers a range of shades and is not an exact colour match, for the truest match, we always recommend contacting your local paint supplier to view accurate colour samples.
Download our colour palette today and start your Residence journey.
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