Ref. #718B9A · DE5802
China Clay
24%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
China Clay Technical Profile
What color is China Clay? It's a deep cool neutral with the hex code #718B9A. Colors similar to China Clay include Sherwin-Williams Smoky Azurite, Valspar Pulitzer Blue, Behr Shaker Blue. China Clay has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 24, China Clay 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, China Clay 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 China Clay
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With China Clay
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
China Clay
#718B9A
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#858AAD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for China Clay
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
China Clay 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 Dunn-Edwards Colors
Other Dunn-Edwards colors close to China Clay.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
China Clay — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does China Clay have?
China Clay by Dunn-Edwards has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the neutral color family.
What colors match China Clay from other brands?
The closest matches are Smoky Azurite by Sherwin-Williams (#708D9E), Pulitzer Blue by Valspar (#768D9C), Shaker Blue by Behr (#718B97). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of China Clay?
China Clay has an LRV of 24.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with China Clay
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 China Clay's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.