Ref. #363536 · 2118-10
Universal Black
4%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Universal Black Technical Profile
What color is Universal Black? It's a dark neutral gray with the hex code #363536. Colors similar to Universal Black include Hirshfield's Sayward Pine, Sherwin-Williams Black Magic, Sherwin-Williams Caviar. Universal Black has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 4, Universal Black creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Universal Black is a true neutral — pair with any wood, any metal, any trim color. Off-white trim works in most homes; brushed nickel or matte black hardware both read well across spaces. True neutrals read consistently across lighting conditions, which is why they're popular base colors. They inherit a faint warm cast under 2700K and a cool cast under 4000K, but never dramatically.
Colors Similar to Universal Black
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Universal Black
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Universal Black
#363536
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#5F3F4F
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Universal Black
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Universal Black 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 Universal Black.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Universal Black — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Universal Black have?
Universal Black by Benjamin Moore has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Universal Black from other brands?
The closest matches are Sayward Pine by Hirshfield's (#383839), Black Magic by Sherwin-Williams (#323132), Caviar by Sherwin-Williams (#313031). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Universal Black?
Universal Black has an LRV of 3.6, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Universal Black
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 Universal Black's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.