Specifying a RAL code, such as RAL 9005, is not always enough to define the final appearance of a metal component. The same colour can look noticeably different in a matt, satin or gloss finish. Lighting, surface texture, component geometry and the surrounding environment also affect how the colour is perceived.
A complete finish specification should therefore include:
- the colour system and RAL code,
- the required gloss level,
- the surface texture,
- the intended operating conditions,
- an approved reference sample when colour matching is particularly important.
This applies both to newly manufactured wire shelves, baskets, dividers and grids and to replacement parts that must match existing equipment.
For custom wire and metal components, it is important to specify not only the RAL colour, but also the gloss level, surface texture and intended operating conditions.
What does a RAL colour code mean?
RAL is a colour-matching system widely used in industry, architecture, product manufacturing and powder coating. Instead of describing a colour as “dark grey”, “warm white” or “almost black”, a standardised code can be used.
RAL CLASSIC, the collection most commonly used in industrial applications, includes 216 colours identified by four-digit codes. The first digit indicates the general colour group:
- 1 – yellows,
- 2 – oranges,
- 3 – reds,
- 4 – violets,
- 5 – blues,
- 6 – greens,
- 7 – greys,
- 8 – browns,
- 9 – whites and blacks.
The remaining digits do not describe brightness or saturation. They are sequential numbers assigned to individual shades within the collection.
RAL CLASSIC, RAL EFFECT or RAL DESIGN SYSTEM plus?
RAL includes several separate colour collections. A colour belonging to one collection should not automatically be assumed to be available as a standard powder-coating colour.
| Collection | Code format | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| RAL CLASSIC | Four digits, for example RAL 7016 | Industry, metal structures, equipment and powder coating |
| RAL EFFECT | Code containing a hyphen | Solid colours and metallic-effect finishes |
| RAL DESIGN SYSTEM plus | Seven-digit code | Product design, architecture and detailed colour concepts |
For wire shelves, baskets, grids and dividers, RAL CLASSIC is usually the starting point. However, the availability of a particular powder, texture and order quantity should always be confirmed before an offer is prepared.
Why can the same RAL colour look different?
A RAL code defines the colour but not the complete appearance of the finished surface. Several additional parameters affect the final result.
Matt, satin and gloss finishes
Matt, satin and gloss finishesA gloss surface reflects more light. The colour may appear deeper and more saturated, but reflections, fingerprints and minor surface irregularities can also become more visible.
A matt finish diffuses light and produces a more understated appearance. It is frequently selected for contemporary retail equipment, black wire components and structures that should not visually dominate the displayed products.
A satin finish offers a result between matt and full gloss. It retains some of the colour depth while producing less intense reflections.
Terms such as “matt” may be interpreted differently by different powder manufacturers. If the exact appearance is important, an approved physical sample should be used as the reference.
Smooth and textured surfaces
Powder coating can produce either a smooth or textured surface. A fine-textured finish changes how light is reflected and can reduce the visibility of minor surface irregularities.
A smooth surface may make cleanliness easier to assess and can be simpler to maintain in applications requiring frequent washing. The finish should therefore be selected based on both its appearance and the way the component will be used and cleaned.
Lighting and surroundings
The same component can look different:
- in natural daylight,
- under cool LED lighting,
- under warm retail lighting,
- inside a bright refrigerated display,
- next to black, white or stainless-steel components.
The geometry of the product also matters. Light interacts differently with thin wire than with a large, flat metal panel. A colour viewed on a computer screen may therefore differ from the appearance of a finished shelf, basket or divider.
Material, surface preparation and production batch
The appearance of the coating can also be affected by substrate preparation, the type of powder, coating thickness and process parameters. Minor differences may occur between powders supplied by different manufacturers or between separate production batches.
If components from several orders will form one visible assembly, this should be communicated to the manufacturer at the RFQ stage.
Which RAL colours are worth considering for metal components?
There is no single colour suitable for every application. Neutral whites, blacks and greys are frequently considered for retail equipment, refrigeration systems and technical metal components.
| Code | General appearance | What should be checked before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| RAL 9005 | Deep black with strong contrast | Matt, satin and fine-textured finishes can produce visibly different results |
| RAL 9010 | A softer, slightly warmer white | Compare it with the equipment casing and installed lighting |
| RAL 9016 | A clean and distinctive white | Check compatibility with neighbouring white components |
| RAL 7016 | Dark anthracite grey | A useful alternative when black creates too much contrast |
| RAL 7035 | Light grey | Often suitable for technical equipment and service components |
| RAL 9006 | White aluminium effect | The final appearance is particularly dependent on the powder and lighting |
This table should be treated as a starting point, not as a digital RAL colour chart. A phone or computer screen should never be used for final colour approval.
How should a RAL colour be selected for retail equipment?
How should a RAL colour be selected for retail equipment?The colour of metal components used in retail equipment should complement both the interior design and the displayed products.
Black and anthracite wire shelves, grids and dividers can create a strong visual frame for the display. Lighter finishes reduce the visual weight of the structure and work well in spaces where cleanliness, brightness and openness are important.
Before choosing a colour, consider the following questions:
- Should the component be visually prominent or as neutral as possible?
- Which colours will be located directly next to it?
- What type of lighting will be used?
- Will the surface be touched and cleaned frequently?
- Is the component part of a new installation or a replacement for an existing part?
For a replacement component, the RAL code alone may not be sufficient. A physical sample of the existing part provides a more reliable reference.
How should the colour be selected for refrigeration equipment?
In refrigeration equipment, colour affects both the appearance of the unit and the presentation of the products inside it.
Light-coloured shelves and dividers can brighten the interior of the unit. Dark components create contrast and may work better with modern black casings. The specification should also account for humidity, temperature changes, cleaning methods and contact with products or packaging.
When manufacturing a replacement component, the following details should also be verified:
- dimensions and geometry,
- fixing method,
- wire diameter,
- colour and surface finish,
- operating conditions,
- required quantity.
A photograph can help identify the construction, but it is not a reliable colour reference. Camera settings, automatic white balance and lighting can significantly alter the appearance of the finish.
How should the colour be specified in an RFQ?
The more precise the specification, the lower the risk of misunderstandings and additional sampling.
| Specification item | Example information |
|---|---|
| Colour collection | RAL CLASSIC |
| Colour code | RAL 9005 |
| Gloss level | Matt |
| Surface | Fine texture |
| Application | Interior of a refrigerated display unit |
| Operating conditions | Humidity, low temperature and regular cleaning |
| Reference | Approved sample or supplied component |
| Order volume | Sample, small batch or repeat production series |
The RFQ should include a drawing, photograph, 3D model or physical sample whenever possible. If the component must match existing equipment, specify which properties are critical: dimensions, fixing method, colour, gloss level or texture.
Further practical guidance is available in our article explaining what to include in an RFQ for wire components.
When is a physical sample recommended?
A sample is particularly useful when:
- the colour must match existing equipment,
- the order will involve a larger production series,
- the component is highly visible,
- an unusual texture or effect has been selected,
- products supplied by several manufacturers must form one consistent assembly,
- the project will be repeated regularly.
A sample allows the geometry, installation method and actual coating appearance to be assessed together. Once approved, it can provide a reference for subsequent production batches.
Wire components in selected RAL colours
SHELMO manufactures wire shelves, baskets, dividers, grids and other custom wire components based on customer documentation, a supplied sample or agreed dimensions.
Before production begins, we can review:
- component construction,
- material and wire diameters,
- fixing method,
- RAL colour code,
- coating gloss and texture,
- the need for a prototype or sample,
- the volume of the first and subsequent production batches.
If you have a drawing, photograph or worn component, send us the available information. We will check whether the part can be reproduced and identify the details required to prepare a quotation.
Before starting series production, we recommend following a sample and approval process for wire and metal components to verify the colour, gloss level and actual surface appearance.
FAQ. RAL colours and powder coating for metal
Is a RAL code enough when ordering powder coating?
Not always. In addition to the colour code, the gloss level and surface texture should be specified. If precise colour matching is required, a physical sample should be approved.
Is the RAL colour shown on a computer screen reliable?
An online RAL colour chart can be used for preliminary selection, but it should not be used for final approval. The screen, display settings, lighting and surroundings can all change how the colour is perceived.
Why do two components with the same RAL code look different?
The difference may result from the gloss level, surface texture, powder type, coating thickness, lighting or the use of powders supplied by different manufacturers or production batches.
Which is better: matt or gloss powder coating?
This depends on the expected appearance and application. A matt finish reduces intense reflections and creates a more understated effect. Gloss emphasises the colour but may also make fingerprints and minor irregularities more visible.
Can the colour of a replacement component be matched from a photograph?
A photograph can help with preliminary identification, but it is not a sufficiently accurate colour reference. Precise matching requires a RAL code, colour sample, approved coating sample or physical component.
Are all RAL colours available for powder coating?
Not every combination of colour, gloss and texture is immediately available. Availability depends on the powder manufacturer’s product range and the quantity required for the order.
Is it worth ordering a sample before series production?
Yes, particularly when the component must match existing equipment or will be produced repeatedly. A sample makes it possible to verify the colour, finish, geometry and installation method before series production.
