RAL colours are a system for standardised colour-matching, which is crucial for consistency when it comes to colour matching for exterior and interior building products. In this guide, we’ll explain the RAL colour system, discuss how RAL colours are important for professionals and homeowners and we’ll give you some tips on how to select the right RAL colour for your project.
Understanding the RAL colour system
For professionals, RAL colour is a universal system for colour matching across suppliers and projects. For homeowners, it’s a way to ensure your cladding, roofline and other materials match perfectly!
History of RAL colour
The system was developed in Germany with over 2,500 shades characterised by codes, e.g. RAL 7016 for Anthracite Grey. It was founded in 1925, and the first RAL colour cards were developed and standardised in 1927, including 40 initial shades. In 1975, RAL launched its innovative colour fans, and their colours began including descriptive colour names alongside the number codes. Since then, high gloss, water-based, metallic options have been developed, and digital colouring devices and an app have been launched.
The benefits of RAL colours for professionals and homeowners
The RAL colour system offers a number of benefits for both professionals and homeowners.
For professionals, RAL guarantees:
- Consistent colours across multiple suppliers
- Simplified communication between builders, architects and manufacturers
- A professional, high-quality finish
One of the main advantages of RAL colours for professionals is the ability to ensure colour consistency across various materials used in construction. For builders or contractors working with cladding, roofline and trims, RAL colours can help match the exact shade needed across suppliers. This is important particularly when combining materials like PVC, aluminium and steel, as slight differences in shades can compromise the overall finished aesthetic. For example, matching Freefoam’s Anthracite Grey cladding with window frames and doors from other manufactures guarantees a seamless, professional appearance.
RAL colours also eliminate ambiguity in project specifications – architects can specify colour codes for designs, builders and contractors can easily source materials from multiple suppliers, and manufacturers can deliver products that meet expectations without too much back-and-forth. This is even more important for large-scale commercial products where standardisation is key.
Using RAL colours in construction ensures a polished, cohesive finish, demonstrating attention to detail and a high standard of execution.
For homeowners, RAL achieves:
- A cohesive look for your property
- Confidence in long-lasting colour accuracy and durability
For homeowners, RAL colours achieve that cohesive, polished finish for your property, with professional-grade results. You might choose to use Cream for fascia and soffits, for example, to complement a traditional style house, achieving a beautiful, harmonious look. As design trends evolve, the wide range of RAL colours allows homeowners to adapt and to enjoy classic and contemporary aesthetics.
Freefoam’s range of RAL-colour-matched products
We are dedicated to quality, meaning that we’re proud to offer a range of RAL colour options for your projects. The majority of our cladding, fascia and soffits are available in RAL-colour-matched finishes, with built in UV-stability and weather-resistant finishes that are truly designed to last.
Choosing the right RAL colour is a critical step in any building or renovation project! Something as seemingly simple as colour can significantly impact the overall appearance and harmony of a building.
Some top-tips for choosing the right colour:
Match the architectural style of the building
Is it traditional, modern or rustic? Soft, neutral shades complement the classic and timeless looks of older properties, while sleek and bold tones are popular for creating a minimalist aesthetic. Earthy colours blend well with natural surroundings.
Consider environmental factors
Colours can actually appear differently depending on the surrounding environment and lighting. Neutral greys, whites and black blend best in urban areas. Light, airy colours are perfect for coastal locations, creating a fresh and inviting look, while resisting heat absorption. For green and woody landscapes, greens and browns harmonise best.
Use colour samples
Using colour samples can really help you visualise the end result and make these crucial decisions – seeing a colour in context is essential to making the right choice for yourself or your client!
Order physical samples of our colour-matched products to test against your building, and make sure to do so under various lighting conditions.
Longevity and maintenance
Durability and ease of maintenance should also be at the forefront of your decision-making process. Choose colours with long-term appeal that won’t look outdated in a few years. If the building is in a high-traffic area, keep in mind that darker colours may show less dirt and wear over time compared to lighter shades. Also consider UV-stable finishes, which ensure that colours like whites and pastels retain their vibrancy.
Coordinate with existing building elements
If your project involves renovations or extensions, always make sure any new materials align with the existing colour palette! Match the RAL colour of cladding or roofline products with pre-installed windows, doors or guttering. If you are using different shades, contrast them strategically, for example, pairing black fascia with lighter soffits or walls.
Achieve perfection with RAL colours and Freefoam
RAL colours are incredible for making sure your project is finished to a professional standard and meets both technical and design needs. It’s the small details that can make or break the finished result of a project involving renovation or re-design, and RAL colours help you achieve the perfect attention to detail that you’re after!
Our RAL-colour-matched range is available for fascia, soffit, cladding and more. For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Technical Help: Freefoam offer technical support on their full range. If you need help call 0800 002 9304.
Cladding Sample Service
Want to check out the colour of our cladding range? Freefoam provide a fast efficient service to order free samples of cladding products. Simply complete the online form and your order will be despatched within days.
https://freefoam.com/professional/project-support/design-tools/cladding-sample-request
Freefoam Registered Installer: Whilst online guides and technical support allow homeowners to carry out roofline work Freefoam would always recommend that fitting or replacing of fascia be carried out by a Freefoam Registered Installer. These are independent professionals backed up by years of experience. Using a Registered Installer also means that the work is registered online for Freefoam’s 20-year Freefoam Guarantee or extended 50-year guarantee. Only Freefoam Registered Installers offer the extended guarantee!