Gray Soapstone is a true neutral — the rare paint color that doesn't push warm or cool, which makes it forgiving across mixed-lighting rooms and existing palettes. At LRV 32 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it only if you specifically want a clear warm or cool bias — a true neutral stays intentionally undecided, which is the whole point.
Ref. #999897 · DEGR53
Gray Soapstone
32%LRV Value
Gray Soapstone Technical Profile
What color is Dunn-Edwards Gray Soapstone (DEGR53)? It's a medium neutral gray — hex #999897, LRV 32. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Gray Soapstone is Behr Dolphin Gray — a near-identical match on the wall, with Vista Paint Jet Gray and Kilz Lavender Gray also close. Its LRV of 32 gives Gray Soapstone depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Gray Soapstone 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. At mid depth, Gray Soapstone 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. 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. At mid depth Gray Soapstone holds its character across bulb temperatures, shifting only slightly warm under 2700K and slightly crisper under cool daylight.
Use this color
Get this color
Some sample and supply links are affiliate links — if you buy through them, Paint Color HQ may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the site free.
Colors Similar to Gray Soapstone
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Gray Soapstone
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Gray Soapstone
#999897
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#ADAD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Gray Soapstone
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Gray Soapstone 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 Gray Soapstone.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Gray Soapstone — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Gray Soapstone from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Gray Soapstone are Dolphin Gray by Behr (a near-identical match), Jet Gray by Vista Paint (a near-identical match), Lavender Gray by Kilz (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 Gray Soapstone'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 Gray Soapstone?
Gray Soapstone has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 31.5, 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 Gray Soapstone
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 Gray Soapstone depends on the room. Here's how to choose.