RAL 9007 Grey aluminium

There is one major difference with RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 compared to the other RAL Classic colors. The other colors are all opaque colors in different hues suitable for all colored materials. With every new edition these color samples can be produced within a very precise tolerance. This is not true for RAL 9006 and RAL 9007.

Both colors originate from the corrosion protection program of the former Reichsbahn (German state railway). These colors were mandatory for corrosion protection of steelwork (train stations, bridges etc.) and rolling stock (roofs etc.). The colors also had similar functions in the former German air force and navy. They were never intended to be used for decorative purposes. RAL 9006 is essentially produced using aluminum particles and RAL 9007 with iron oxide in a layered structure with small amounts of aluminum powder. The Reichsbahn registered all its colors with RAL so they could use the color codes when placing orders. Therefore RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 were included, but since the 1970's their inclusion has led to misunderstandings.

RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 were used by the market to indicate requirements, even though there was no uniform finish in existence for the standards. In addition, both colors need a transparent layer in order to use them for decorative surfaces. This often results in a classification as a special coating at a special price level. Problems often occur when RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 are specified, when the use combines coatings of various types (paint, varnish, powder coatings). Differences in color are then very common. Therefore RAL recommends the use of RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 for corrosion protection only and not for decorative purposes.

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