RAL 7042 Traffic Grey A — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches
RAL 7042 Traffic Grey A hex #8F9695 · LRV 32. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.
Color spec
| Hex | #8F9695 |
| RGB | 143, 150, 149 |
| LRV | ~32 |
| RAL Classic | RAL 7042 |
Also known as / near matches
RAL 7042, known as Traffic Grey A, is a very specific industrial grey, often mistaken for other utilitarian shades. While it doesn’t have a direct Pantone equivalent, its closest chromatic neighbors in the RAL Classic range would be RAL 7040 Window Grey or the slightly darker RAL 7037 Dusty Grey. Its name suggests a functional purpose, hinting at its robust, no-nonsense character. It’s a foundational mid-tone that avoids leaning too far into either blue or green, maintaining a balanced neutrality.
What it looks like in real life
RAL 7042 Traffic Grey A presents as a steadfast, true mid-tone grey with an LRV of 32, granting it a good measure of visual weight without feeling oppressive. In the cool, consistent wash of north-facing light, it maintains its inherent neutrality, showing just a whisper of its subtle green-blue undertone, keeping it from feeling stark. When bathed in south-facing sun, it reads slightly softer, the light coaxing out a gentle warmth that keeps it from appearing flat. Late afternoon light can deepen its presence, allowing it to quietly anchor a space, neither receding nor demanding attention.
Closest matches at US paint brands
Closest matches at US paint brands
| Color | Brand | Name | SKU | LRV | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kompozit | Singing in the Rain | 0478 | 32 | — | |
| Farrow & Ball | Lamp Room Gray | No. 88 | 39 | — | |
| Sherwin-Williams | Privilege Green | SW 6193 | 32 | — | |
| Behr | Pewter Mug | BNC-22 | 35 | — | |
| Benjamin Moore | Half Moon Crest | 1481 | 38 | — | |
| Magnolia Home | Patina | JG-031 | 24 | — | |
| Clare | Stargazer | Clare 14 | 27 | — | |
| Backdrop | Polly Wants | BD-PW | 27 | — | |
| PPG / Glidden | Glidden Modern Gray | GLN-14 | 38 | — | |
| Pratt & Lambert | Castaway | 32-26 | 38 | — | |
| Valspar | Notre Dame | 5006-2C | 35 | — | |
| Dunn-Edwards | Battleship Gray | DET636 | 22 | — |
Kompozit’s Singing in the Rain is an almost perfect match, sharing both the closest ΔE and identical LRV, while Sherwin-Williams Privilege Green offers the same LRV but leans distinctly greener. The range of matches shows a spread from cooler, bluer greys like Clare Stargazer to warmer, more muted green-greys like Valspar Notre Dame and Behr Pewter Mug, illustrating the diverse undertones often found within the grey family.
When to use this color
Great for:
- For grounding a bright, airy living room with large windows, providing a calming backdrop.
- As a resilient cabinet color in a busy kitchen, offering a sophisticated, timeless look.
- Ideal for a home office or study where focus and quiet concentration are desired.
Tricky in:
- Can feel somewhat flat or industrial in rooms with very low natural light and no supplementary warm lighting.
- May appear too utilitarian or stark when paired with overly cool whites or blues without warmer accents to balance it.
Pairs well with
Pairs well with
Painting tips
- Primer: For this mid-range color with an LRV of 32, a white-tinted primer is recommended to ensure optimal color accuracy and coverage in two coats.
- Sheen: Given its mid-range depth, a matte or eggshell sheen works beautifully for walls, while a satin sheen would provide durability and a subtle gleam for cabinetry or trim.
- Coats: Expect two coats to achieve full, even coverage over a properly primed surface, typical for a color of this LRV.
- Application: Achieving a smooth, even finish is paramount with this balanced grey; careful rolling and back-rolling will help minimize roller marks, which can be subtle but noticeable under raking light.