Choosing the right car paint is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of precision and colour consistency. To avoid discrepancies in shades, it is worth using standardised tools, such as the RAL colour chart. Although this system was developed as far back as 1927, it remains one of the most important colour references to this day – both in industry and the automotive sector. The RAL colour chart guarantees unambiguous colour identification, which is of great importance, for example, in bodywork and paint repairs and in the individual selection of paint.

How does the RAL colour chart work?

The RAL colour chart is a system consisting of four-digit codes. The first digit corresponds to the main colour family (e.g. 5 is a shade of blue), and the subsequent digits to a specific shade within that group. This makes it easy to find the shade you are looking for in the catalogue. Additionally, you may come across a gloss designation, e.g. GL – indicating a gloss or matt finish. Every colour in the RAL palette also has its own name, which makes identification easier – regardless of the language used in the description. In practice, the car paint colour chart comprises over 200 shades, divided into colour groups. The most commonly used include:

• RAL 9010 – Pure White
• RAL 9005 – Jet Black
• RAL 2011 – Deep Orange
• RAL 8003 – Lehmbraun

The wide range of car paint colours is used both in the production of new vehicles and in repair processes.

How to choose a car paint colour?

When choosing the right shade, it is worth referring to both the RAL code and the actual appearance of the sample. A physical car paint colour chart, rather than a digital one, ensures the greatest precision. Monitors and printers often distort colours, so before applying the paint, you should compare the sample with the actual colour chart. The preliminary breakdown of the RAL colour chart is as follows:

• RAL 10.. – shades of beige and yellow
• RAL 20.. – oranges
• RAL 30.. – reds and pinks
• RAL 50.. – blues
• RAL 60.. – greens
• RAL 70.. – greys
• RAL 80.. – browns
• RAL 90.. – whites and blacks

Where can you buy RAL paints and how should they be used?

Thanks to the range offered by manufacturers such as Multichem, you can stock up on professional paints that match the RAL colour chart. Products available include:

• high-durability spray paints
• touch-up pens for scratches
• industrial paints for spray application

If you want a perfect colour match, it’s best to visit a high street store or order a RAL colour chart, which will allow you to assess the shade precisely. Remember that only a properly selected and professionally applied paint will preserve your vehicle’s appearance for years to come. Want to be sure you’re choosing the right colour? Check out the range of car paints from the manufacturer based on the RAL colour chart and find the perfect shade for your vehicle.