When to use this guide
Use it for a new colour, a non-RAL shade, a metallic or textured effect, or when switching supplier on an existing colour.
What you need
- RAL number, or a physical panel, paint chip or reference from another colour system
- Gloss level or band, and finish (smooth, sand texture, wrinkle, metallic)
- Series or service environment (indoor or outdoor)
Steps
Send the colour reference
A RAL K7 number, or a physical sample. On-screen colours are approximate, so specify from a physical card or panel.
Agree gloss and finish
Gloss is measured at 60° to ISO 2813: typical bands are matt below about 30 GU, satin 30–70 GU, gloss above 70 GU. Textured and metallic finishes are approved visually.
Name the series or environment
Outdoor metallics and textures are built on a weather-resistant polyester such as P480, P720 or P1680.
Approve the matched panels
WANAN matches shade, gloss and texture and issues colour panels for approval before production.
Confirm on your line
Spray approval panels under production-like settings, because film build and gun parameters change the final effect.
Key values
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Colour standard | RAL K7 and custom matching | Colours |
| Gloss measurement | 60°, ISO 2813 | Colours |
| Gloss bands | Matt < ~30 GU · satin 30–70 GU · gloss > 70 GU | Colours |
| Formulation library | About 100,000 sample panels | Colours |
Common mistakes
- Approving a colour from a screen or a print-out
- Leaving gloss unspecified
- Judging metallics by gloss reading alone
- Approving panels sprayed at a different film build from production
Related
Published 7 October 2026 by the WANAN technical team. Figures are taken from WANAN technical data sheets and the pages linked above.