RAL 7038 - Agate Grey
RAL 7038 (Agate Grey) is a RAL Classic color with a HEX approximation of #B5B8B1, RGB 181, 184, 177, and CMYK 2/0/4/28. It is a gray tone typically used in architecture, machinery, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, and structural metalwork. Its closest Pantone Solid Coated match is 4288 C (Delta E 1.45), and its closest RAL neighbor is RAL 9006 (White Aluminium).
About RAL 7038
RAL greys are the workhorse family - they dominate industrial applications, machinery, electrical enclosures, and architectural metalwork because they age gracefully, hide wear, and blend into almost any environment.
RAL codes are administered by RAL gGmbH, a German quality-assurance institute. The RAL Classic library - 213 codes across nine hue families - is the standard for paint, powder-coat, and plastic finishes across Europe, and is used internationally wherever industrial color specification is required. Like every RAL code, RAL 7038 is defined by a physical paint swatch rather than a digital value; the HEX approximation #B5B8B1 is the most commonly-published reference, but physical paint chips are the only authoritative source.
Closest Pantone match
The closest Pantone Solid Coated color to RAL 7038 is 4288 C (#B7BCB4), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 1.45. This is a very close match suitable for most print reproduction needs.
Closest RAL Classic neighbors
These RAL codes are perceptually closest to RAL 7038, sorted by Delta E 2000. Codes within the same family differ by Delta E 2-8 typically - siblings rather than duplicates.
Where RAL 7038 is used
RAL 7038 is typically specified in architecture, machinery, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, and structural metalwork. Its gray tone makes it appropriate wherever a neutral, architectural, or structural palette is wanted. Before specifying RAL 7038 for a production run, verify the color against a physical RAL swatch under the actual lighting conditions and finish (matte, semi-gloss, gloss) that will be used - the same code looks meaningfully different across substrates.
Frequently asked questions
What is RAL 7038 in HEX?
RAL 7038 (Agate Grey) has a HEX approximation of #B5B8B1. This is the widely-published mid-range value - RAL is a physical paint standard, and different reference sources vary by 2-5% for the same code. #B5B8B1 is close to every commonly-published reference for RAL 7038.
What is RAL 7038 in RGB?
RAL 7038 converts to RGB 181, 184, 177. Its CMYK print approximation is 2/0/4/28. These values are approximations for design reference - always verify against a physical RAL swatch before production, because paint and ink reflect light very differently.
What Pantone color is closest to RAL 7038?
The closest Pantone Solid Coated match to RAL 7038 is 4288 C (#B7BCB4), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 1.45. This is a very close match and is likely suitable for print reproduction.
What RAL color is closest to RAL 7038?
The closest RAL Classic neighbors to RAL 7038 are RAL 9006 (White Aluminium, Delta E 6.6), RAL 9018 (Papyrus White, Delta E 6.8), RAL 7044 (Silk Grey, Delta E 7.1). RAL codes within the same family typically differ by Delta E 2-8 - close enough to feel like siblings, distinct enough to be visibly different on a physical swatch.
Where is RAL 7038 commonly used?
RAL 7038 is typically used in architecture, machinery, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, and structural metalwork. Its gray tone makes it suitable for neutral, architectural, and structural applications. Verify with a physical swatch under the actual lighting and finish conditions before specifying for a production run.