RAL colours are an important standardisation system used extensively by Goerres Inc. Pergolas USA. Established in Germany in 1927, this precise method of colour matching ensures consistent results in industrial and architectural projects. The system enables clear communication between manufacturers, designers and clients, which is particularly important for pergola finishes and outdoor structures. Modern RAL standards continue to adapt to current manufacturing requirements while maintaining their proven reliability.

Key points

• Established in 1927, RAL is a standardised colour system that provides accurate colour specifications for design and manufacturing applications worldwide.
• The four-digit numbering system enables accurate colour identification and communication across industries and projects.
• Digital tools have modernised RAL colour matching, providing an efficient selection and verification process for design professionals.
• RAL Effect Collection offers 490 colours, including metallic finishes, specifically designed for waterborne applications and contemporary needs.
• The system supports consistent colour implementation from design to production, while allowing creative exploration within standardised parameters.

RAL History and Evolution

The origins of the RAL colour system date back to 1927, when the German Reichs-Ausschuß für Lieferbedingungen created a standardised method for specifying colours. Starting with just forty colours in the RAL 840 collection, this practical system laid the foundations for industrial colour standardisation.

A major advance came in the 1940s with the introduction of the four-digit numbering system, which made colour identification more precise and accessible. The system grew considerably and by 1961 RAL 840-HR included 210 different colours. Technical innovations continued in the following decades, leading to digital colour matching tools. The 2020 imm Cologne exhibition will showcase additional technical capabilities, reflecting the system’s adaptation to current industrial specifications and requirements.

Design applications and systems

Design professionals rely on RAL’s comprehensive colour systems to ensure precise specifications in their work. The RAL Design System and the RAL Effect Collection are essential tools that help designers make deliberate choices about human perception and behaviour in space.

The RAL Effect Collection includes 420 solid colours and 70 metallic finishes specifically designed for waterborne paint applications – a practical response to environmental concerns. Digital integration has simplified the colour selection process while maintaining rigorous standards across a variety of materials and surfaces. This technical advancement helps designers explore creative options without compromising the consistency required for professional project execution.

Digital tools and standards

Digital integration has fundamentally changed the way professionals interact with RAL colour standards. Design teams can now access accurate specifications through specialised software, replacing manual colour matching processes with digital precision. This shift allows for faster, more accurate colour selection while maintaining compliance with established standards.

Digital tools allow professionals to efficiently navigate the vast RAL colour space. Engineers and designers use these platforms to match, verify and document colour specifications across multiple projects simultaneously. The software’s built-in verification systems help prevent errors and maintain consistency from design to production. RAL’s digital framework continues to expand its capabilities, adding new features based on user feedback and technological advances. These enhancements provide teams with reliable tools to accurately implement colour standards in their daily work.