RAL 9004 - Signal Black
RAL 9004 (Signal Black) is a RAL Classic color with a HEX approximation of #282828, RGB 40, 40, 40, and CMYK 0/0/0/84. It is a black tone typically used in automotive trim, machinery, high-contrast architectural details, and professional equipment. Its closest Pantone Solid Coated match is 426 C (Delta E 2.07), and its closest RAL neighbor is RAL 8022 (Black Brown).
About RAL 9004
RAL blacks are deep, tonal blacks rather than pure #000000 - they carry a subtle hue cast (warm, cool, or neutral) that distinguishes each code and makes them suitable for high-contrast architectural and automotive work.
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 9004 is defined by a physical paint swatch rather than a digital value; the HEX approximation #282828 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 9004 is 426 C (#25282A), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 2.07. This is a very close match suitable for most print reproduction needs.
Closest RAL Classic neighbors
These RAL codes are perceptually closest to RAL 9004, sorted by Delta E 2000. Codes within the same family differ by Delta E 2-8 typically - siblings rather than duplicates.
Where RAL 9004 is used
RAL 9004 is typically specified in automotive trim, machinery, high-contrast architectural details, and professional equipment. Its black tone makes it appropriate wherever a neutral, architectural, or structural palette is wanted. Before specifying RAL 9004 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 9004 in HEX?
RAL 9004 (Signal Black) has a HEX approximation of #282828. 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. #282828 is close to every commonly-published reference for RAL 9004.
What is RAL 9004 in RGB?
RAL 9004 converts to RGB 40, 40, 40. Its CMYK print approximation is 0/0/0/84. 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 9004?
The closest Pantone Solid Coated match to RAL 9004 is 426 C (#25282A), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 2.07. This is a very close match and is likely suitable for print reproduction.
What RAL color is closest to RAL 9004?
The closest RAL Classic neighbors to RAL 9004 are RAL 8022 (Black Brown, Delta E 2.2), RAL 9017 (Traffic Black, Delta E 3.1), RAL 7021 (Black Grey, Delta E 3.2). 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 9004 commonly used?
RAL 9004 is typically used in automotive trim, machinery, high-contrast architectural details, and professional equipment. Its black 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.