RAL 7024 Graphite Grey — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches

Color spec

Also known as / near matches

RAL 7024 is formally known as Graphite Grey, a deep and sophisticated charcoal. It’s often conceptually grouped with other dark greys like RAL 7021 Black Grey or RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey, though 7024 carries a slightly softer edge than these more intense counterparts. In common parlance, it’s akin to a very dark, muted charcoal. While there isn’t a direct Pantone cross-reference, its character aligns with deep, cool industrial greys, sitting comfortably between a true black and a mid-tone grey.

What it looks like in real life

Graphite Grey is a color that quietly commands attention, never shouting but always grounding a space with its profound depth. In the cool, indirect wash of north-facing light, it reads as a true, unwavering charcoal, leaning cool and almost inky, perfect for creating a dramatic envelope. Conversely, under the warmer, direct light of a south-facing room, or during the golden hour of late afternoon, a subtle mineral quality emerges, preventing it from feeling stark and instead lending it a velvety drape. This color’s LRV of 11 is demanding, requiring thoughtful lighting design to truly shine, otherwise, it can absorb light rather than reflect it, creating a more cavernous feel.

Closest matches at US paint brands

Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore emerges as the closest match by ΔE, though it is considerably darker with an LRV of 6 compared to Graphite Grey’s 11. Farrow & Ball Down Pipe, however, shares the exact LRV of 11, offering a comparable depth and feel, albeit with a slightly different undertone. The spread of matches leans predominantly cool, with Valspar Plumage and Backdrop Last Call introducing distinctly blue undertones, while others like PPG Knight’s Armor and Dunn-Edwards Asphalt offer a more neutral, almost black-grey interpretation.

When to use this color

Great for:

• This color excels in a dramatic powder room, enveloping the space in a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere.
• Consider it for a media room or home theater, where its depth contributes to an immersive, distraction-free environment.
• It makes a striking statement as an exterior trim color, providing a strong, elegant contrast to lighter siding materials.

Tricky in:

• It can feel heavy and absorb too much light in small, windowless interior spaces, potentially making them feel enclosed.
• Application on heavily textured surfaces in raking light can exaggerate shadows, making the finish appear uneven.

Pairs well with

Painting tips

• Primer: Given its LRV of 11, a medium-toned gray primer is essential to ensure true color development and optimal coverage.
• Sheen: A matte or eggshell finish on walls allows this deep color to absorb light beautifully, while a satin is ideal for durable cabinetry and a semi-gloss for crisp trim.
• Coats: Expect two coats over a properly tinted primer; three coats may be necessary to achieve full depth and opacity over a stark white or significantly different base color.
• Application: As a deep color, Graphite Grey is prone to showing imperfections under raking light, making a sprayed application ideal for the smoothest finish, or meticulous rolling with a quality nap for walls.

Related

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