RAL 8003 Clay Brown — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches
RAL 8003 Clay Brown hex #7E4B26 · LRV 9. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.
Color spec
| Hex | #7E4B26 |
| RGB | 126, 75, 38 |
| LRV | ~9 |
| RAL Classic | RAL 8003 |
Also known as / near matches
RAL 8003, known as Clay Brown, is a wonderfully grounding hue. In German, it is referred to as Lehmerdebraun, directly translating to ‘loam earth brown,’ which beautifully encapsulates its character. While there isn’t a direct Pantone equivalent, its earthy warmth places it in a similar family to deep, rich browns with a touch of red. It might be subtly confused with other deep browns in the RAL 8000 series, but its specific ‘clay’ designation points to its unique red-orange undertone, distinguishing it from more neutral or chocolatey browns.
What it looks like in real life
RAL 8003 Clay Brown is a deeply saturated, grounding brown, reminiscent of rich, damp earth after a rain. In north-facing light, it leans into its subtle red undertones, becoming a comforting, almost cocoa-like hue that feels incredibly enveloping without being heavy. The cooler cast of the light prevents it from feeling overtly warm, instead lending it a quiet anchor that sits beautifully against crisp whites or deeper greens. Its low LRV of 9 ensures it maintains its profound depth, never washing out.
Closest matches at US paint brands
Closest matches at US paint brands
| Color | Brand | Name | SKU | LRV | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valspar | Tempered Allspice | 3001-4A | 11 | — | |
| Dunn-Edwards | Kindled Heart | DEA135 | 11 | — | |
| Kompozit | Mover and Shaker | 0158 | 13 | — | |
| Benjamin Moore | Brown Horse | 2110-30 | 14 | — | |
| Behr | Fall Leaves | M210-7 | 11 | — | |
| Sherwin-Williams | Brown Sugar | SW 6049 | 12 | — | |
| Magnolia Home | Old World | JG-102 | 14 | — | |
| Clare | Two-Step | Clare 15 | 14 | — | |
| Backdrop | Buenos Aires | BD-BA | 14 | — | |
| Pratt & Lambert | Adobe | 19-4 | 16 | — | |
| Farrow & Ball | Rectory Red | No. 217 | 8 | — | |
| PPG / Glidden | Glidden Coffeehouse | GLN-25 | 14 | — |
Valspar’s Tempered Allspice and Dunn-Edwards Kindled Heart are the closest in both ΔE and LRV, sharing a similar warm, earthy essence. Farrow & Ball’s Rectory Red (No. 217) shows the most distinct undertone difference, leaning significantly more into a rich, muted red despite a similar LRV. The overall spread of matches predominantly reveals warm, deep browns, with some varying slightly in their red or more muted, almost greige, leanings like PPG/Glidden Coffeehouse.
When to use this color
Great for:
- A library or study, wrapping the room in a rich, thoughtful atmosphere.
- An accent wall in a living room with abundant natural light, providing a deep, grounding focal point.
- Cabinetry in a kitchen, offering a sophisticated, earthy alternative to traditional dark woods.
Tricky in:
- Small, dimly lit interior spaces, where its low LRV can make the room feel heavy and confining without ample lighting.
- North-facing exterior surfaces, where the lack of direct sunlight might mute its inherent warm clay character and make it appear flatter.
Pairs well with
Pairs well with
Painting tips
- Primer: For this deep, earthy tone with an LRV of 9, a gray-tinted primer is essential to ensure true color payoff and reduce the number of finish coats needed.
- Sheen: A matte or eggshell finish on walls will best showcase its velvety depth, while a satin or semi-gloss on trim or cabinetry will offer durability and a subtle gleam.
- Coats: Expect three coats for full, even coverage over a properly tinted gray primer, especially when transitioning from a lighter base.
- Application: Due to its depth, brush strokes or roller marks can be visible under raking light; consider spraying for the smoothest finish, or apply with careful, even passes.