RAL 7042 Traffic Grey A Paint

Use a standard RAL 7042 order when the specification simply calls out the RAL code and acceptance will be judged against the RAL standard color target, not against an existing part or finish.

Send a physical sample or request an OEM/powder-code match when any of the following apply:

• You must match an existing coated part or assembly (especially high-visibility surfaces or large areas).
• An inspector will compare to the existing finish rather than to the RAL standard chip.
• The original is powder coated and you are switching to liquid (or vice versa), or specific gloss/texture must be replicated.
• A known OEM powder code exists and needs to be followed.
• The existing surface is aged/faded, and a fresh standard RAL 7042 will not blend.

What to include with a sample request:

• A representative coated part or panel (not a printout), preferably flat and at least 2×2 inches.
• Any known OEM/powder code, gloss target (e.g., 60 degrees GU), texture description, and substrate/process info.
• Acceptance method (visual sidebyside vs. standard reference) and any tolerances you must meet.

Note: RAL 7042 defines a color target, not the coating process. Liquid vs. powder, gloss, and texture can make two "RAL 7042" parts look different in use.

Touch-up with RAL 7042 restores protection and approximates color, but it will not reproduce a factory powder coat's texture and sheen. Expect some visibility of the repair, especially at oblique angles and under strong light.

Plan accordingly:

• Acceptable use: small chips, scratches, edges, and non-critical areas where "close visual harmony" is sufficient.
• Higher-risk cases: contiguous, high-visibility panels or large patches. If the finish must be indistinguishable next to existing parts, do not rely on touch-up-provide a sample of the current part for a match and consider refinishing a full panel.
• Mitigation: clean and deoxidize the area, feather sand edges, apply light coats, and specify/measure the surrounding gloss when possible. Evaluate after drying at the intended inspection distance under neutral lighting.

If the installed surface has aged or faded, a fresh standard RAL 7042 will appear different. In that case, a sample-based match of the existing part is recommended.

• Bare carbon steel: Use an anti-corrosive primer. For higher corrosion exposure, use a zinc-rich or epoxy primer. Spot-prime any bare metal in repairs.
• Galvanized steel: Light sweep blast or scuff, then use an appropriate galvanized/etch primer to promote adhesion.
• Aluminum: Clean/deoxidize, then a self-etch or epoxy primer for adhesion and corrosion resistance.
• Stainless steel: Abrade to a uniform profile and use an epoxy primer for adhesion.
• Previously coated (sound) powder coat: Clean and scuff (320-600 grit). Primer is typically only needed on sand-throughs to bare substrate.
• Plastics: Use a compatible plastic adhesion promoter; some plastics also benefit from an epoxy tie coat.

Always verify primer compatibility with the selected topcoat system and observe recoat windows. Primer choice affects adhesion and corrosion performance but does not change the RAL 7042 color target.

• Confirm target: Are you matching the RAL 7042 standard or the existing part? If the latter, verify whether a sample-based match is required.
• Clean: Remove oils, salts, and contaminants with an appropriate cleaner/degreaser. Rinse and dry.
• Remove defects: Eliminate rust/oxide and loose coating. Feather edges around damage.
• Abrade: Scuff adjacent intact coating (typically 320-600 grit) to promote adhesion; maintain a smooth transition.
• Prime bare spots: Spot-prime exposed substrate with a compatible primer for the material.
• Mask and dust-off: Mask boundaries, blow off dust, and tack-wipe before coating.
• Apply light coats: Build to the recommended film thickness with adequate flash/dry time. Avoid flooding edges.
• Conditions: Apply within the coating's specified temperature/humidity range and allow full cure before service.
• Verify: Perform a small test area first and check appearance under neutral lighting at the intended inspection distance.

Yes, our spray paint, paint pens and touch up bottles are ideal for touching up parts of all kinds, including powder coatings. However, keep in mind that our version of RAL7042 Traffic Grey A is based on the color swatch contained in the official RAL color book. The color and sheen of your specific production parts may be different. If you need a touch up application, we can create a touch up solution precisely matching your specific parts.

Learn more about our color matching service.

MyPerfectColor spray paint is a fast-drying durable acrylic enamel coating suitable for interior or exterior use. MyPerfectColor custom spray paint matched to RAL7042 Traffic Grey A enables you to conveniently achieve a professional spray-smooth finish in any color in any sheen. It sticks well to most surfaces including metal, plastics, powder-coatings, cabinets and primed or previously painted wood.

The MyPerfectColor 11oz spray can will cover about 20 square feet per coat. Keep in mind that it is difficult to gauge spray paint need as the coverage is highly dependent on how it is applied. Learn more about how spray paint works at MyPerfectColor.

While we can provide RAL7042 Traffic Grey A in paint, we don't provide any crossover information. We've found that every paint company offers its own unique selection of colors and rarely does a color have an exact equivalent in another brand.

However, under the color image on a color page there is a link that says "Explore Colors". Clicking this link displays colors with similar values and you can look for any colors from the brand you want.

Keep in mind that this just shows similar colors based on the color values we have stored in our database. It doesn't mean it is the same or give any approximation about how close the color is. You can play around with the Hue, Lightness and Chroma sliders to expand the selection.