RAL 3000 Flame Red — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches

Color spec

Also known as / near matches

Flame Red, RAL 3000, is a vivid and assertive red. It’s often conceptually grouped with other bold reds like RAL 3001 Signal Red, though Flame Red carries a distinct intensity. While not an exact match, it shares the energetic spirit of certain Pantone reds in the 18-16xx series, often evoking associations with classic fire engine hues. Its directness sets it apart from more muted or brick-toned reds, establishing its own clear presence.

What it looks like in real life

This color, a deeply saturated red with an LRV of 9, asserts itself with remarkable presence. In a north-facing room, where light tends to be cooler and less direct, Flame Red holds its ground, absorbing the blue cast and presenting as a serious, grounded crimson, its depth quietly commanding attention. Yet, when bathed in the generous, bright south-facing light, it truly ignites; the red appears to glow from within, radiating a powerful warmth that feels almost incandescent, never retreating. As the day progresses, particularly in the late afternoon’s golden hour, this red can take on an almost velvety quality, its inherent orange undertones coming forward to drape walls in a rich, enveloping warmth. The low LRV means it is a demanding color, requiring thoughtful lighting to prevent it from feeling too heavy or cavernous in shadowed corners. It always reads warm, a confident and vital hue that sits against other colors with an unmistakable, fiery energy.

Closest matches at US paint brands

Benjamin Moore Million Dollar Red appears to be the closest in hue, while Sherwin-Williams Real Red and Valspar Tomato Bisque precisely match the LRV. Farrow & Ball Charlotte’s Locks shows a distinctly more orange-leaning undertone and higher luminosity, contrasting with the much deeper, more brick-like qualities of Pratt & Lambert Brick Red and PPG Glidden Heritage Red. Overall, the matches lean heavily into a confident, warm, and often fiery red spectrum.

When to use this color

Great for:

• A bold accent wall in a living room with ample natural light.
• A kitchen island cabinet finish to create a vibrant focal point.
• A powder room, where its deep warmth can create an unexpected jewel-box effect.

Tricky in:

• In dimly lit hallways, where its low LRV can make the space feel restrictive and heavy.
• On large, unbroken wall expanses without sufficient architectural detail, as its intensity can overwhelm.

Pairs well with

Painting tips

• Primer: For this deep, saturated red with an LRV of 9, a gray-tinted primer is essential to ensure true color development and optimal coverage.
• Sheen: Given its depth, a matte or eggshell finish on walls will best showcase this color’s rich pigment, while a satin or semi-gloss will bring out its vibrancy on cabinetry or trim.
• Coats: Expect to apply at least two, and more likely three, coats over a properly tinted gray primer for complete opacity and full color saturation.
• Application: For a color this saturated and deep, meticulous application is key; brush strokes or roller marks will be highly visible under raking light, making spraying an ideal method for the smoothest finish.

Related

• Best paint for kitchen cabinets →
• Sheen guide →
• Other RAL Classic colors →