Sharkskin reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 38 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it if you want a cozy, warm room — cool neutrals can feel sterile under warm bulbs or in low light.
Ref. #A4A6A3 · PPU25-04
Sharkskin
38%LRV Value
Sharkskin Technical Profile
What color is Behr Sharkskin (PPU25-04)? It's a medium cool gray — hex #A4A6A3, LRV 38. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Sharkskin is PPG Stepping Stone — a near-identical match on the wall, with PPG Statue Garden and Dutch Boy Ironed Gray also close. Its LRV of 38 gives Sharkskin depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Sharkskin 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. At mid depth, Sharkskin grounds a space without darkening it — it holds up on lower walls, kitchen islands, and as a wraparound where a lighter neutral would feel washed out. 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. At mid depth Sharkskin holds its character across bulb temperatures, shifting only slightly warm under 2700K and slightly crisper under cool daylight.
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Colors Similar to Sharkskin
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Sharkskin
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Sharkskin
#A4A6A3
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#85AD8B
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Sharkskin
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Sharkskin 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 Sharkskin.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Sharkskin — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Sharkskin from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Sharkskin are Stepping Stone by PPG (a near-identical match), Statue Garden by PPG (a near-identical match), Ironed Gray by Dutch Boy (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 Sharkskin'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 Sharkskin?
Sharkskin has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 37.8, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. That makes it a mid-depth color with real presence — strong on accent walls, libraries, and rooms with good natural 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 Sharkskin
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 Sharkskin depends on the room. Here's how to choose.