Paint matching
Matching a RAL number at the paint counter
What happens when you ask a paint shop for a RAL number: tinting machines, bases, product types and gloss, plus how much to order so it all comes from one batch.
Read the noteChart / 7000 series / RAL 7035 Light grey
RAL 7035 Light grey
A light, almost neutral grey on screen. First published on this chart 5 June 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) | #CBD0CC |
|---|---|
| RGB | 203, 208, 204 |
| HSL | 132°, 5%, 81% |
| CMYK (naive) | 2, 0, 2, 18 |
| CIE Lab (from sRGB) | 83, -2.4, 1.4 |
| Relative luminance | 62.2% |
| Text contrast | white text 1.6:1, black text 13.4:1 |
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 7035 reads
Light grey is a pale, cool grey with a faint green tint, lighter than RAL 7038 agate grey. It is calm and clean, almost an off white on large areas.
Where it turns up
It is very common on electrical enclosures, machine housings and control cabinets, and also suits interiors. A light grey primer keeps coverage even; enclosures often come in a fine textured powder finish.
Ordering RAL 7035 in paint or powder
Quote the number, not just the name: say "RAL Classic 7035" 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.