Ref. #383B3E · 2127-20
Black Ink
4%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Black Ink Technical Profile
What color is Black Ink? It's a dark cool gray with the hex code #383B3E. Colors similar to Black Ink include Vista Paint Sayward Pine, MPC Cessna Black Met., Sherwin-Williams Black of Night. Black Ink has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 4, Black Ink 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, Black Ink 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. 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.
Colors Similar to Black Ink
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Black Ink
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Black Ink
#383B3E
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#444465
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Black Ink
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Black Ink 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 Benjamin Moore Colors
Other Benjamin Moore colors close to Black Ink.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Black Ink — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Black Ink have?
Black Ink by Benjamin Moore has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Black Ink from other brands?
The closest matches are Sayward Pine by Vista Paint (#3A3C3D), Cessna Black Met. by MPC (#3B3F41), Black of Night by Sherwin-Williams (#323639). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Black Ink?
Black Ink has an LRV of 4.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Black Ink
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.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Black Ink's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.