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What Are RAL Colours? A Homeowner’s Guide to Endless Choices

Think a rainbow is colourful? Well, think again.

Back in 1925, the German State Commission for Delivery Terms and Quality Assurance came up with something called Reichsausschuß für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung. Quite a mouthful, right? But its purpose was simple — to create a standardised colour matching system, similar to the Pantone® system used in printing. Today, we know it as the RAL colour system, one of the most widely used Central European colour standards. You’ll spot RAL colours everywhere — from architecture and construction to industry, recreation, and even road safety.

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multiple RAL colours

What is RAL?

Developed in Germany during the 1920s, RAL is essentially a standard way to communicate colour. The system includes over 2,500 colours, each with its own unique RAL code, making it easy for manufacturers, installers, and homeowners alike to be on the same page.

In the world of glazing, where accuracy matters, RAL colours are a real lifesaver. They ensure that panels, mullions, and top rails all match perfectly, avoiding those frustrating colour mismatches.

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What are the limitations of RAL colours?

As handy as RAL codes are, it’s worth remembering that they don’t cover every possible shade. Colours can be subtle and nuanced, and sometimes the perfect shade just isn’t in the RAL chart.

Take Chartwell Green, for example. It’s a popular choice, yet most people assume it’s in the RAL system — it isn’t. Installers often face the tricky task of trying to match a door or touch up a cill, only to realise the exact RAL shade doesn’t exist. Cue lots of frustration all round.

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upvc multiple ral colours

How do I find my RAL colour?

If you’re picking Residence Collection windows and doors, you get access to a carefully curated colour palette designed to help you find the perfect match for your home. This palette includes a mix of authentic finishes to suit all sorts of architectural styles, from timeless classics like Grained White to contemporary favourites such as Cotswold Green.

What’s more, you can opt for a dual finish — one colour on the inside to complement your interiors, and another on the outside to suit your home’s façade.

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Where possible, the nearest RAL colours are shown on individual colour pages. Keep in mind that a RAL number represents a range of shades rather than a precise colour. For the most accurate match, we always recommend visiting your local paint supplier to view physical colour samples.

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