RAL 5012 Light Blue — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches
RAL 5012 Light Blue hex #3B83BD · LRV 24. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.
Color spec
| Hex | #3B83BD |
| RGB | 59, 131, 189 |
| LRV | ~24 |
| RAL Classic | RAL 5012 |
Also known as / near matches
RAL 5012, known simply as Light Blue, carries a clear, sky-like quality. While its name is straightforward, it can be confused with other blues in the RAL Classic range that lean slightly different in saturation or undertone, such as RAL 5015 Sky Blue which is a bit brighter, or RAL 5010 Gentian Blue which is deeper. There isn’t a direct, universally recognized Pantone equivalent that captures its exact balance of lightness and blue clarity without leaning too green or too grey, making its distinct character rather unique.
What it looks like in real life
This blue reads as a true, mid-tone light blue, reminiscent of a crisp autumn sky. In north-facing light, it maintains a cool, clear presence, offering a refreshing and expansive feel without leaning icy. When bathed in south-facing sun, it softens slightly, revealing a gentle luminosity that keeps it from appearing flat or overly saturated, holding its blue character beautifully without picking up unwanted green or purple casts. Late afternoon light can deepen its tone, giving it a comforting, enveloping quality.
Closest matches at US paint brands
Closest matches at US paint brands
| Color | Brand | Name | SKU | LRV | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kompozit | Skylla | 0640 | 19 | — | |
| Behr | Blueprint | S470-5 | 19 | — | |
| Benjamin Moore | Stunning | 826 | 18 | — | |
| Pratt & Lambert | Williamsburg Wedgwood Blue | CW-30 | 28 | — | |
| Dunn-Edwards | Salty Dog | DEC787 | 18 | — | |
| Sherwin-Williams | Distance | SW 6243 | 28 | — | |
| Valspar | Rendezvous | 4007-9B | 27 | — | |
| Backdrop | Mom Jeans | BD-MJ | 18 | — | |
| PPG / Glidden | Steely | PPG1011-5 | 26 | — | |
| Clare | Stargazer | Clare 14 | 27 | — | |
| Farrow & Ball | Inchyra Blue | No. 289 | 12 | — | |
| Magnolia Home | Front Porch | JG-075 | 24 | — |
Kompozit Skylla (0640) is the closest match by ΔE, though its hex value suggests it’s a more saturated, perhaps slightly teal-leaning blue compared to RAL 5012. Magnolia Home Front Porch (JG-075) shares the exact same LRV, indicating a similar depth of color, yet its hex code suggests a more muted, greyer interpretation of blue. The spread of matches reveals a range from clearer blues like Kompozit Skylla to significantly greyer, more subdued options like Behr Blueprint and Benjamin Moore Stunning, with the overall cast leaning decidedly cool.
When to use this color
Great for:
- It shines in a child’s bedroom or nursery, providing a calming and imaginative backdrop.
- Excellent for a powder room or small bathroom, where its clear tone can make the space feel fresh and inviting.
- Consider it for built-in cabinetry in a home office, bringing a subtle, focused energy to the workspace.
Tricky in:
- Avoid pairing this blue with overly warm, yellow-based wood tones, as it can make both the blue and the wood appear unbalanced.
- It can feel a bit too cool and expansive in very large, sparsely furnished rooms with dominant north-facing light, potentially lacking warmth.
Pairs well with
Pairs well with
Painting tips
- Primer: For this medium-depth color (LRV 24), a white-tinted primer is recommended to ensure the purest and most consistent color development on your walls.
- Sheen: Due to its mid-range LRV, a matte finish will provide a sophisticated, velvety drape on walls, while satin is ideal for cabinets or bathroom applications, and semi-gloss will crisply define trim.
- Coats: You can typically expect good coverage with two coats of quality paint over a properly primed surface for this depth of color.
- Application: With its moderate depth, brush strokes or roller marks can be visible under strong raking light, so precise and even application is key for a seamless finish.