Universal Black 2118-10 is a gray paint color from Benjamin Moore. It has a hex value of #363536, LRV 4 and a neutral undertone. Its closest cross-brand match is Sayward Pine from Hirshfield's (nearly identical), with 49 more equivalents across other brands.
Ref. #363536 · 2118-10
Universal Black
4%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Universal Black Technical Profile
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Universal Black in Every Brand
The closest equivalent to Universal Black in each major paint brand, ranked by how close the match reads. Always verify with a physical sample. How we calculate match accuracy →
Benjamin MooreUniversal Black
Nearly identical
Hirshfield'sSayward Pine
Sayward Pine
Hirshfield's
Nearly identical
Black Magic
Sherwin-Williams
Nearly identical
Black
Dunn-Edwards
Nearly identical
Pitch Black
Farrow & Ball
Nearly identical
Onyx Black
PPG
Nearly identical
True Black
Dutch Boy
Very similar
Tomcat
Valspar
Very similar
Limousine Leather
Behr
Very similar
Mystic Black
Kilz
Very similar
In the Dark
Vista Paint
Very similar
Nourish .06
Colorhouse
Very similar
Umbra Grey
RAL
Very similar
Seeing a close call? Order a peel-and-stick sample of Universal Black — or sample it next to its top matches — Samplize buy 8 peel-and-stick samples, get 2 free.
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 sits in the gray color family. The undertone shifts with light — warmer under 2700K bulbs, cleaner and cooler under 4000K daylight — so sample Universal Black in your own space before committing.
What colors match Universal Black from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Universal Black are Sayward Pine by Hirshfield's (a near-identical match), Black Magic by Sherwin-Williams (a near-identical match), Caviar by Sherwin-Williams (a near-identical match) — the best options for getting Universal Black's look from a brand your local store carries. Confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of Universal Black?
Universal Black has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 3.6, 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.
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.