Pencil Point reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 11 it reads as a deep, enveloping shade — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Skip it if you want a cozy, warm room — cool neutrals can feel sterile under warm bulbs or in low light.
Ref. #595D61 · PPU18-2
Pencil Point
11%LRV Value
Pencil Point Technical Profile
What color is Behr Pencil Point (PPU18-2)? It's a dark cool gray — hex #595D61, LRV 11. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Pencil Point is PPG Glazed Granite — a near-identical match on the wall, with PPG Moody Sky and Benjamin Moore Temptation also close. With an LRV of 11, Pencil Point creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a cool neutral, Pencil Point pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. As a deeper neutral, Pencil Point reads as a confident anchor — strongest on accent walls, cabinetry, and moody whole rooms that get enough natural light to keep it from going flat. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone. Deeper neutrals can read close to black in low light, so preview Pencil Point in the room's actual evening lighting, not just at midday.
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Colors Similar to Pencil Point
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Glazed Granite
PPG
Nearly identical
Temptation
Benjamin Moore
Nearly identical
Shou Sugi Ban
Dunn-Edwards
Nearly identical
Hematite
Valspar
Nearly identical
Charcoal Shadow
Vista Paint
Nearly identical
Steely Expression
Dutch Boy
Nearly identical
Thunderstorm
Hirshfield's
Very similar
Outerspace
Sherwin-Williams
Very similar
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Pencil Point
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Pencil Point
#595D61
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#5F5F8E
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Pencil Point
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Pencil Point Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Behr Colors
Other Behr colors close to Pencil Point.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Pencil Point — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Pencil Point from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Pencil Point are Glazed Granite by PPG (a near-identical match), Moody Sky by PPG (a near-identical match), Temptation by Benjamin Moore (a near-identical match). These are ranked with the CIEDE2000 color-difference formula, which scores how similar two colors actually look to the eye rather than matching them by name — so they're the best options for getting Pencil Point's look in a brand your local store carries. Always confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of Pencil Point?
Pencil Point has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 10.8, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. That makes it a deep, dramatic color best saved for accent walls, dining rooms, and cozy spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. LRV is the most reliable guide to how light or dark a paint will read in a real room — more dependable than the swatch on your screen, which varies by monitor.
Explore More with Pencil Point
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Paint Sheen Guide
Flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss — the right finish for Pencil Point depends on the room. Here's how to choose.