RAL 8003 - Clay Brown
RAL 8003 (Clay Brown) is a RAL Classic color with a HEX approximation of #734222, RGB 115, 66, 34, and CMYK 0/43/70/55. It is a brown tone typically used in earth-toned industrial finishes, exterior cladding, machinery, and architectural brownfields. Its closest Pantone Solid Coated match is 2320 C (Delta E 2.46), and its closest RAL neighbor is RAL 8029 (Pearl Copper).
About RAL 8003
RAL browns are earthy, mature tones used where a refined or natural aesthetic is wanted on industrial or architectural surfaces. The range runs from warm clay (8003) to deep sepia (8014).
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 8003 is defined by a physical paint swatch rather than a digital value; the HEX approximation #734222 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 8003 is 2320 C (#714623), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 2.46. This is a very close match suitable for most print reproduction needs.
Closest RAL Classic neighbors
These RAL codes are perceptually closest to RAL 8003, sorted by Delta E 2000. Codes within the same family differ by Delta E 2-8 typically - siblings rather than duplicates.
Where RAL 8003 is used
RAL 8003 is typically specified in earth-toned industrial finishes, exterior cladding, machinery, and architectural brownfields. Its brown tone makes it appropriate wherever a refined, specialty, or decorative palette is wanted. Before specifying RAL 8003 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 8003 in HEX?
RAL 8003 (Clay Brown) has a HEX approximation of #734222. 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. #734222 is close to every commonly-published reference for RAL 8003.
What is RAL 8003 in RGB?
RAL 8003 converts to RGB 115, 66, 34. Its CMYK print approximation is 0/43/70/55. 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 8003?
The closest Pantone Solid Coated match to RAL 8003 is 2320 C (#714623), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 2.46. This is a very close match and is likely suitable for print reproduction.
What RAL color is closest to RAL 8003?
The closest RAL Classic neighbors to RAL 8003 are RAL 8029 (Pearl Copper, Delta E 5.4), RAL 8002 (Signal Brown, Delta E 5.9), RAL 8007 (Fawn Brown, Delta E 6.7). 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 8003 commonly used?
RAL 8003 is typically used in earth-toned industrial finishes, exterior cladding, machinery, and architectural brownfields. Its brown tone makes it suitable for contexts where this specific hue family carries the intended brand or safety meaning. Verify with a physical swatch under the actual lighting and finish conditions before specifying for a production run.