RAL 3009 Oxide Red — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches

Color spec

Also known as / near matches

RAL 3009 is aptly named Oxide Red, a descriptor that captures its deep, earthy character, often associated with iron oxide pigments. While it doesn’t have a direct German synonym as a different name, its industrial heritage means it’s a foundational, reliable red. It distinguishes itself from brighter, more vibrant reds within the RAL spectrum by its inherent mutedness, avoiding the common confusion with primary or fire engine reds. You’ll find its depth aligns more with the grounded nature of a rich, aged brick.

What it looks like in real life

This is a color that holds its ground, a deep, saturated red with an underlying complexity that shifts beautifully. In a north-facing room, where light is typically cooler and more consistent, Oxide Red reads as a profound, almost blackened crimson, retaining its warmth but absorbing the chill, creating a cocooning effect. As the day progresses and late afternoon sun streams in from the west, the color truly awakens, revealing its subtle russet undertones and a rich, velvety quality that drapes the walls in an inviting glow, becoming less about red and more about a sophisticated, burnished earth tone. With an LRV of 5, this color is decidedly demanding, absorbing light rather than reflecting it, which is precisely its strength. It creates an enveloping atmosphere, rather than an expansive one. The inherent warmth of its oxide base means it consistently leans into the warm cast, even in cooler light, avoiding any unexpected purple or blue shifts. It sits against stark whites with a dramatic contrast, yet quietly complements deeper wood tones or softened greens, grounding a space with its undeniable presence and rich, historical weight.

Closest matches at US paint brands

Behr Polished Mahogany is the closest match by ΔE and shares the same LRV of 5, making it an almost indistinguishable twin. While many of the initial matches like Pratt & Lambert Mahogany and Farrow & Ball Picture Gallery Red also share the LRV of 5, the overall spread of matches leans toward slightly warmer, brighter reds as ΔE increases, with Benjamin Moore Dinner Party and Sherwin-Williams Cherokee Red showing a distinct increase in brown-red warmth. The most significant undertone difference is seen in Clare Bowie and Magnolia Home Painted Peony, which introduce a much brighter, more vibrant red hue, pulling away from the muted oxide character.

When to use this color

Great for:

• A dramatic dining room or study, where its depth fosters intimacy and focused conversation.
• An accent wall in a bright, sun-drenched living room to ground the space and absorb excess light.
• Exterior window trim or a front door on a classic brick home, providing a rich, historical complement.

Tricky in:

• Small, windowless interior rooms, where its low LRV can make the space feel oppressive rather than inviting.
• Modern, minimalist interiors with abundant cool-toned materials, as its traditional warmth may clash rather than harmonize.

Pairs well with

Painting tips

• Primer: Given its deep LRV of 5, a high-quality, tinted gray primer is essential to ensure true color payoff and optimal coverage.
• Sheen: For walls, a matte or eggshell finish will best showcase its velvety depth and absorb light, while a satin or semi-gloss would be appropriate for cabinetry or trim to provide durability and a subtle sheen.
• Coats: Expect to apply three coats over a properly tinted primer to achieve full, rich opacity and color accuracy for this deep hue.
• Application: Due to its low LRV and depth, spraying is recommended for the smoothest finish, as brush strokes or roller marks can be quite evident under strong raking light.

Related

• Best paint for kitchen cabinets →
• Sheen guide →
• Other RAL Classic colors →