Screens, print and codes
Why RAL colours look different on every screen
A RAL number names a physical colour, but your laptop and phone each redraw it their own way. Here is why the hex values drift and what to trust before ordering.
Read the noteChart / 5000 series / RAL 5015 Sky blue
RAL 5015 Sky blue
A dark, moderately strong blue on screen. First published on this chart 23 April 2013.
This swatch is a screen approximation of the colour. Check a physical RAL fan deck or a painted sample of the actual product before you order or match anything.
| Hex (sRGB) | #2874B2 |
|---|---|
| RGB | 40, 116, 178 |
| HSL | 207°, 63%, 43% |
| CMYK (naive) | 78, 35, 0, 30 |
| CIE Lab (from sRGB) | 47.2, -1.2, -39.4 |
| Relative luminance | 16.2% |
| Text contrast | white text 5:1, black text 4.2:1 |
Values are derived from the approximate hex above. CMYK is a simple conversion, not a print recipe: printers convert through their own profiles. Luminance is a screen figure, not a measured light reflectance value (LRV) from a paint data sheet.
How RAL 5015 reads
Clear and fairly strong, sky blue is the blue of a summer midday sky, slightly deeper than RAL 5012 light blue. It is cheerful without being harsh.
Where it turns up
It suits bikes, garden furniture, play equipment and signs. Bright blues can fade in strong sun, so choose an exterior grade topcoat and a white or light grey primer underneath.
Ordering RAL 5015 in paint or powder
Quote the number, not just the name: say "RAL Classic 5015" and add the gloss level, the product type (wall paint, metal paint, powder, aerosol) and the surface. The same number mixed by two makers, or in two gloss levels, can look slightly different, so keep a whole job in one batch and look at a sample in daylight first. The paint counter guide covers the questions to ask.