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RAL8012 Red Brown is a deep, saturated reddish brown foundationally used for durable, functional finishes in industrial and architectural settings. With a very dark appearance (L* 25.65, LRV 4.63), this color absorbs significant light, reading as a strong, dense shade on most surfaces. It shows a distinct warm tendency (a* 23.76, b* 17.58, hue angle 36.5°), offering noticeable red over brown undertones. High chroma (29.56) means the color is vivid and assertive, avoiding muddiness or dullnessits red content stands out strongly. The undertone is clearly red-brown, not neutral, making the color purposeful and recognizable even in low light. In higher-gloss finishes, the depth and saturation are emphasized, whereas in matte, the red undertone may appear subtler.

Common uses for RAL8012 Red Brown include powder-coated industrial machinery where durable, visually assertive finishes are specified, metalwork, fencing, or architectural elements requiring consistent, dark color unity, exterior steelwork and railings in functional or utilitarian contexts, institutional environments such as warehouses and maintenance facilities needing field touch-up, and transportation industry parts including tanks, shipping containers, and structural elements.

RAL8012 Red Brown is engineered for situations requiring unambiguous, functional color presence. Its high chroma and warm tone prevent it from reading as dull or purely utilitarian, instead projecting a robust, clear identity across materials and lighting conditions. The exceptionally low LRV means the color can deepen further in shadow or low ambient light; this is an important consideration for large area applications. Finish selection can influence how much of the red undertone is perceivedgloss highlights vibrancy, while matte reduces sheen contrast. For field touch-up and color coordination, matching to the RAL target is critical, but be aware that texture and gloss can cause subtle apparent differences compared to original coatings.

Digital approximations
Values
HEX: #632D23
RGB: 99, 45, 35
LAB: 25.6, 23.8, 17.6
Insights
- With a low L* (25.6) and LRV (4.63), this is a very dark color; it will appear nearly black in shaded or poorly lit environments.
- Strong positive a* and b* values (23.8, 17.6) translate visually to an unmistakably warm, red-oriented brown, which resists becoming flat or gray.
- High chroma (29.56) ensures the red-brown remains distinct and visible rather than shifting toward a muted or neutral look.

Digital values are approximations. Paint appearance varies by finish and lighting.

Similar colors:
- RAL8011 Nut Brown: Slightly deeper and less overtly red, creating a more neutral brown look.
- RAL8017 Chocolate Brown: Darker overall, with less chroma and a cooler, less vivid feel.
- RAL3009 Oxide Red: Lighter and redder, bringing more visible saturation and a higher LRV than RAL8012.

Product Data

About RAL

RAL is a European Color Standard often used for powder coating products and equipment. MyPerfectColor helps manufacturers; fabricators; refurbishers; equipment supply, rental and maintenance organizations save money and improve quality through exact match color solutions. Some common requests we receive for RAL Colors include spray paint, pens and bottles used for touch up and OEM applications.

Representation of the RAL Colours is done with the approval of RAL gGmbH, 53111 Bonn, Germany.

Please note that the representation of colours on the website can only approximate the actual RAL colour shades as they are registered as varnish samples.

RAL CLASSIC © RAL, Bonn 2019.

RAL DESIGN SYSTEM © RAL, Bonn 2019.

RAL EFFECT © RAL, Bonn 2019.

RAL colors may vary from RAL Color Standards based on lighting conditions, angle of view and/or due to differences in pigments, manufacturing process, substrate and/or limitations in the color capability of the paint.

Frequently Asked Questions About RAL 8012 Red Brown Paint

For RAL 8012 Red Brown, when is a standard RAL match acceptable versus matching the specific coated part?

Use standard RAL 8012 Red Brown when:

  • Cross-material coordination where textures/sheens already differ (e.g., liquid paint to powder, metal to plastic).
  • Low-criticality repairs: small chips, corrosion protection, non-cosmetic areas.
  • Acceptance is defined as visual comparison to the RAL Classic standard (fan deck or certified target), not to an existing part.

Request a sample or OEM-specific match when:

  • High-visibility cosmetic surfaces or large, uniform areas.
  • Strict acceptance/inspection next to the existing part under controlled lighting.
  • You have a known OEM powder coating code or must match an existing part's sheen/texture.

Note: RAL 8012 defines the color target, not the coating process. Powder vs. liquid can differ in gloss and texture; on dark tones like 8012, sheen differences are especially noticeable. Define acceptance up front: "match the RAL standard" versus "match this part."

How do I avoid ordering the wrong code when I need RAL 8012 Red Brown?

Before ordering RAL 8012 Red Brown, confirm:

  • Code accuracy: 8012 (not 8011, 8017, 8023, etc.). Always use all four digits.
  • Name alignment: "Red Brown / Rotbraun" corresponds to RAL 8012.
  • Series: RAL Classic only (do not substitute RAL Design or RAL Effect numbers).
  • Acceptance basis: Judgement against the RAL 8012 standard, not on-screen RGB/HEX previews, which are approximate.
  • Finish requirement: Specify gloss level separately (matte/satin/gloss); the RAL code does not define sheen or texture.
  • Documentation check: Cross-check drawings/POs for the exact code and any OEM references; avoid truncated labels like "RAL 801" or "RB."
Which format should I use for RAL 8012 Red Brown touch-up: spray, brush bottle, or pen?

Select the format for RAL 8012 Red Brown based on repair size and access:

  • Paint pen: Pinpoint nicks, edges, and fasteners (<2 mm); minimal masking; fast drying.
  • Brush bottle: Chips and spots up to ~6-10 mm; feather edges to minimize ridges.
  • Aerosol/spray: Larger chips, small panels, or blending over textured powder; multiple light passes help control sheen.

Acceptance tips:

  • Match gloss level to the surrounding surface; sheen mismatch is the most common rejection on dark tones.
  • Test on a hidden area and allow full cure before final evaluation.
What surface prep is required before repairing with RAL 8012 Red Brown paint?

Prepare the surface before applying RAL 8012 Red Brown:

  • Clean: Remove oils, dirt, and salts with appropriate solvent or detergent; rinse and dry.
  • De-rust: Wire brush/sand to bright metal where rust exists; treat any remaining oxidation per your spec.
  • Feather and scuff: 320-600 grit to dull surrounding gloss and feather chip edges; remove dust.
  • Prime as required: Use a compatible primer for the substrate and environment; RAL codes do not specify primers.
  • Mask and apply: Light, controlled coats to avoid halos/overspray; follow recommended flash and cure times.

Sheen risk: inadequate cleaning or scuffing can cause patchy gloss on RAL 8012, especially near powder-coated areas. Proper prep of the blend zone improves acceptance.

When will I receive my paint matching RAL8012 Red Brown? Can I get it right away?
All paint is custom-made to order. Most orders ship quickly—often within 1–2 business days—though actual lead time can vary based on production volume. Custom spray paint, paint pens, and brush-in-cap bottles, including colors matched to RAL8012 Red Brown, typically ship within 1–2 business days. During peak periods, lead times may vary slightly. Transit time depends on your location and the shipping method you choose. If timing is critical, select Expedited Production at checkout—most expedited orders ship within 24 business hours—or contact MyPerfectColor so we can help confirm timing for your specific deadline. Learn more about paint production lead times.
Can I use RAL8012 Red Brown for touching up powder coating?

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 RAL8012 Red Brown 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.

What are the RGB, HEX and LRV values for RAL8012 Red Brown?
The RGB values for RAL8012 Red Brown are 100, 51, 44 and the HEX code is #64332C. The LRV for RAL8012 Red Brown is 5.25. The LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value and measures the percentage of light that a color reflects. Learn more about using RGB and Hex codes for matching colors.
What is spray paint matched to RAL8012 Red Brown made of? And how much area will one can cover?

MyPerfectColor spray paint is a fast-drying durable acrylic enamel coating suitable for interior or exterior use. MyPerfectColor custom spray paint matched to RAL8012 Red Brown 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.

How to buy paint for RAL8012 Red Brown?
Many types of paint are available for RAL8012 Red Brown with no minimum order quantities. MyPerfectColor offers spray paint, paint pens, touch up bottles, water-based acrylics, epoxies, urethanes and a variety of other paints. Select the Paint Type button above to get started. Learn more about buying paint at MyPerfectColor.
How do I get the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for paint matched to RAL RAL8012 Red Brown?
The RAL8012 Red Brown is the color and the SDS is based on the type of paint used to make the color. You can find Safety Data Sheets here for our most popular products.
Do I need a primer for RAL8012 Red Brown?
The need for primer for RAL8012 Red Brown depends on the type of paint, the substrate being painted and where it will be located. See our Primer Selection Table to see what primer you might need and learn more about when you might need a primer. Most people don't use a primer for a touch up paint application, but a primer may improve adhesion and is typically recommended for exterior applications.
How do I convert RAL8012 Red Brown to a different color from another paint company?

While we can provide RAL8012 Red Brown 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.