RAL 9006 White Aluminium — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches
RAL 9006 White Aluminium hex #A5A5A5 · LRV 42. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.
Color spec
| Hex | #A5A5A5 |
| RGB | 165, 165, 165 |
| LRV | ~42 |
| RAL Classic | RAL 9006 |
Also known as / near matches
RAL 9006, often known as White Aluminium, presents a distinctive industrial grey that subtly hints at a metallic quality, even when rendered in a typical interior finish. It occupies a space among clear, unadorned greys, sidestepping the muddiness sometimes found in greige tones. While it doesn’t have direct Pantone equivalents, its crispness and cool neutrality often lead designers to compare it to other precise, architectural silver-white hues. It stands apart from warmer greys, maintaining a clean, technical essence.
What it looks like in real life
RAL 9006 is a poised, mid-tone grey that carries a quiet, architectural presence. In a north-facing room, its inherent coolness is amplified, revealing a steely, almost crystalline quality that feels expansive and clean. Here, it maintains a precise, unyielding character, sitting against other elements with a cool confidence. Move it into a south-facing space, and the abundant warm light coaxes a softer, more balanced expression from its cool core, preventing it from feeling stark while retaining its refreshing clarity.
Closest matches at US paint brands
Closest matches at US paint brands
| Color | Brand | Name | SKU | LRV | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farrow & Ball | Lamp Room Gray | No. 88 | 39 | — | |
| Kompozit | Techile | 0533 | 35 | — | |
| Benjamin Moore | Half Moon Crest | 1481 | 38 | — | |
| PPG / Glidden | Chinchilla | PPG1001-4 | 38 | — | |
| Sherwin-Williams | Argos | SW 7065 | 35 | — | |
| Behr | French Silver | PPU18-05 | 38 | — | |
| Pratt & Lambert | Sterling | 32-13 | 38 | — | |
| Valspar | Pewter Plate | 4007-2A | 35 | — | |
| Clare | Wing It | Clare 19 | 38 | — | |
| Backdrop | Nuevo | BD-NU | 38 | — | |
| Dunn-Edwards | Slipway | DEC753 | 38 | — | |
| Magnolia Home | Cement | JG-076 | 36 | — |
Farrow & Ball’s Lamp Room Gray (No. 88) emerges as the closest match by ΔE, capturing a very similar cool-leaning grey essence, although its LRV of 39 is slightly lower than RAL 9006’s 42. The spread of matches generally leans towards cool, architectural greys, though some, like PPG Chinchilla and Sherwin-Williams Argos, introduce a subtle, almost imperceptible warmth, offering a softer interpretation of the grey spectrum.
When to use this color
Great for:
- Cabinetry or trim in modern kitchens or bathrooms to lend a crisp, architectural edge.
- Walls in a minimalist living room with ample natural light, where it supports a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
- A contemporary home office, creating a focused and sophisticated backdrop for productivity.
Tricky in:
- North-facing rooms lacking sufficient warm accents can find this color feeling too stark or unwelcoming.
- Spaces with very low natural light, where its quiet coolness might translate into a flat, uninspired appearance.
Pairs well with
Pairs well with
Painting tips
- Primer: For this mid-range LRV, a white-tinted primer is recommended to ensure the truest color development and optimal coverage.
- Sheen: For walls, an eggshell or matte finish will allow its subtle character to drape beautifully, while a satin or semi-gloss is ideal for cabinetry and trim, enhancing its crisp, clean appeal.
- Coats: Expect two coats for thorough and even coverage, especially when transitioning from a darker existing color.
- Application: For colors of this depth, careful application is key; brush and roller marks can become apparent under raking light, so precise technique is advised for a seamless finish.