Both color samples are part of the classic RAL 840-HR color collection. They are also therefore part of the common industrial colors in the German Economy.
There is one major difference on RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 from the rest of the 193 RAL CLASSIC colors, which are all opaque colors in different Hues suitable for all colored materials. With every new edition these color samples can be produced within a very precise tolerance. This does not hold true for RAL 9006 and RAL 9007.
Both colors originate from the corrosion protection program of the former Reichsbahn (State Railway). They were mandatory for corrosion protection of steelwork (train stations, bridges etc) and rolling stock (roofs etc). The colors also had similar functions in the former Airforce and Navy. They were never intended to be used for decorative purposes. RAL 9006 is essentially produced using aluminum particles, and RAL 9007 with iron oxide in a layered structure with small amounts of aluminum powder.
The Reichsbahn registered all its colors with RAL to enable it to use them as references when placing orders. RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 therefore were included, but since the1970´s their inclusion has led to misunderstandings.
Recently metallic colors have become popular for all sorts of architectural uses (window frames, shopfloors etc). RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 were then used by the market to indicate requirements, even though there was no uniform finish in existence for the standards. In addition, both colors need a transparent layer in order to use them for decorative surfaces. This often results in a classification as a special coating at a special price level.
Problems often occur when RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 are specified, when the use combines coatings of various types (paint, varnish, powder coatings). Differences in color are very common.
Therefore we recommend the use of RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 for corrosion protection only and not for decorative purposes.