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COLOR REFERENCE

RAL 1028 Melon Yellow — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches

RAL 1028 Melon Yellow hex #FF9B00 · LRV 47. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.

Jessica Williams
By Jessica Williams
Color Stylist & Interior Editor
Updated:May 3, 2026
Sunlit room with a melon yellow painted accent
RAL 1028 MELON YELLOW — HEX, RGB, LRV, AND BEST US PAINT MATCHES
RGB 255, 155, 0 LRV 47 RAL 1028

Color spec

Hex#FF9B00
RGB255, 155, 0
LRV~47
RAL ClassicRAL 1028

Also known as / near matches

RAL 1028, known as Melon Yellow, is a vibrant, optimistic hue that lives squarely in the yellow-orange family. While not commonly confused with direct RAL neighbors due to its distinct sunny saturation, it often draws comparisons to more muted golds or deeper ochres when searching for a similar feel. Its closest spirit in the Pantone world might be a warm, almost electric orange-yellow like a lively 144 C or a saturated 137 C, depending on the desired level of red undertone.

What it looks like in real life

This color arrives with a confident, sun-drenched presence, draping a space in an immediate sense of warmth and vitality. In a north-facing room, Melon Yellow offers a much-needed injection of golden light, preventing the space from feeling cool or sterile; it pulls forward its deeper orange undertones, creating a rich, burnished quality rather than a stark primary yellow. Move it to a south-facing room, and its full brilliance unfolds, almost glowing with an energetic warmth that feels endlessly sunny without ever veering into garish territory, holding its own beautifully against abundant natural light.

Closest matches at US paint brands

Closest matches at US paint brands

ColorBrandNameSKULRVBuy
KompozitZambia096344
Farrow & BallIndia YellowNo. 6635
Benjamin MooreSoft Marigold16060
Magnolia HomeHoneysuckleJG-14460
Pratt & LambertTuscan Sun16-760
BackdropEamesBD-EA60
Sherwin-WilliamsGlitterySW 908956
Dunn-EdwardsHoney GlowDEC71256
ValsparCastaway Beach3003-7A53
BehrCellini GoldPPU6-1224
ClareSpritzClare 2464
PPG / GliddenCream In My CoffeePPG1085-356

Melon Yellow reads unequivocally warm and vibrant, its LRV of 47 making it a medium-value color that feels assertive yet welcoming. It doesn’t quietly recede but instead offers a cheerful embrace. This color is remarkably forgiving of natural light fluctuations, maintaining its sunny disposition without washing out or turning muddy. Its inherent warmth ensures it never picks up a cool cast, anchoring a room in its radiant, joyful essence.

When to use this color

Great for:

  • A playful kitchen island or pantry cabinetry, bringing unexpected cheer and visual interest.
  • A vibrant accent wall in a child’s playroom or a creative studio, stimulating focus and joy.
  • A sun-drenched sunroom or breakfast nook, amplifying the natural warmth and light to create an inviting atmosphere.

Tricky in:

  • Can feel overwhelming or too energetic in an entire north-facing room without sufficient natural light, potentially creating a confined feeling.
  • Its intensity might clash with very cool-toned furnishings or subtle, muted palettes, requiring careful coordination to avoid discord.

Pairs well with

Pairs well with

Warm white (BM White Dove OC-17)
#F0EFE2
Cool white (BM Chantilly Lace OC-65)
#F4F1E6
Warm oak (natural wood floor)
#B5895D
Aged brass (hardware, lighting)
#B08D57
Soft sage (BM Saybrook Sage HC-114)
#C7CCB1
Linen / soft cream
#E8E1D4

Painting tips

  • Primer: For medium-value colors like Melon Yellow (LRV 47), a white-tinted primer is ideal to ensure the truest color development and optimal coverage.
  • Sheen: Its medium depth and vibrant nature allow it to shine in a satin finish on cabinetry or a durable eggshell on walls to balance its lively presence.
  • Coats: Expect two quality coats for full opacity and depth, especially when covering a contrasting existing color.
  • Application: Its medium saturation means brush marks or roller stipple might be visible under strong raking light, so precise, even application is key.

Frequently asked questions

Is Melon Yellow the same as the closest brand match?+
While Kompozit Zambia is an exceptionally close match to RAL 1028 Melon Yellow with a ΔE of just 0.96, it's not identical. Zambia maintains the lively orange-yellow character but presents with an LRV of 44, making it subtly deeper. These minor differences mean that while visually very similar, the two colors will read with slightly different weight and intensity in a space.
What sheen for Melon Yellow?+
For walls, an eggshell or satin finish will best showcase Melon Yellow's vibrant personality while offering good durability. If using it on trim or cabinetry, a semi-gloss or high-gloss will amplify its inherent luminosity and create a striking, durable surface that is easy to clean. Consider the overall desired effect and light reflectivity.
Will Melon Yellow fade on an exterior surface?+
Vibrant yellows and oranges like Melon Yellow can be more susceptible to UV degradation over time compared to more muted or darker hues. While modern exterior paints are formulated with advanced UV inhibitors, some gradual fading is possible, especially in direct, prolonged sunlight. Choosing a high-quality exterior paint with excellent fade resistance is crucial for longevity.
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