RAL 820-2 vs Swanky Gray
RAL 820-2 is a RAL Effect color while Swanky Gray comes from Sherwin-Williams. RAL 820-2 reads as blue-grey, while Swanky Gray reads as grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. At LRV 45 vs 42, Swanky Gray will read as the brighter of the two — a 3-point gap that matters most in north-facing or low-light rooms. At ΔE 3.8, the difference is perceptible but not dramatic — the two can work harmoniously in the same space. Below you'll find 2 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
RAL 820-2 vs Swanky Gray in Real Spaces
2 real rooms side by side. RAL 820-2 and Swanky Gray are close enough that the difference can be hard to judge from a chip alone — these photos show how each reads at scale, across different spaces and lighting conditions.
Bedroom
Bedroom walls are often seen under warm artificial light, a context that shifts both colors from how they look on a chip. Side by side like this, the difference is easy to read — which is exactly why seeing them in a real space is more useful than comparing chips.
Bathroom
Bathrooms amplify color — the enclosed space and reflective surfaces make what reads subtle elsewhere feel more present here. Side by side like this, the difference is easy to read — which is exactly why seeing them in a real space is more useful than comparing chips.
Color Details
RAL 820-2 vs Swanky Gray Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see RAL 820-2 on one side and Swanky Gray on the other.
Digital color is approximate. These simulations are generated from the manufacturer's hex values and overlaid on grayscale room photos — your screen's calibration, brightness, and viewing angle all affect how they render. Before committing to either color, test physical samples in your own space under the light you actually live with.
More RAL 820-2 comparisons
See how RAL 820-2 stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
At LRV 83 vs 42, White Dove is decisively the brighter choice.
Purbeck Stone reads slightly lighter (LRV 52 vs 42), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
RAL 820-2 reads slightly lighter (LRV 42 vs 30), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Agreeable Gray reflects far more light (LRV 60 vs 42), opening up a space where RAL 820-2 encloses it.
At LRV 58 vs 42, Accessible Beige is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 42 vs 27, RAL 820-2 is decisively the brighter choice.
With LRVs of 43 and 42, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
At LRV 55 vs 42, Tranquil Dawn is decisively the brighter choice.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 44 vs 42), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Pure White reflects far more light (LRV 84 vs 42), opening up a space where RAL 820-2 encloses it.
At LRV 66 vs 42, Balboa Mist is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 74 vs 42, Shoji White is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 42 vs 12, RAL 820-2 is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 42 vs 8, RAL 820-2 is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 68 vs 42, Skimming Stone is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 42 vs 12, RAL 820-2 is decisively the brighter choice.
A 4-point LRV gap (45 vs 42) makes Saybrook Sage the marginally brighter of the two.
RAL 820-2 reads slightly lighter (LRV 42 vs 31), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.