Explore the Shore reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 39 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it if you want a cozy, warm room — cool neutrals can feel sterile under warm bulbs or in low light.
Ref. #9FAAA6 · 426-5DB
Explore the Shore
39%LRV Value
Explore the Shore Technical Profile
What color is Dutch Boy Explore the Shore (426-5DB)? It's a medium cool gray — hex #9FAAA6, LRV 39. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Explore the Shore is Benjamin Moore Greyhound — a near-identical match on the wall, with Benjamin Moore Piedmont Gray and Sherwin-Williams Eventide also close. Its LRV of 39 gives Explore the Shore depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Explore the Shore 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. At mid depth, Explore the Shore 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. 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. At mid depth Explore the Shore holds its character across bulb temperatures, shifting only slightly warm under 2700K and slightly crisper under cool daylight.
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Colors Similar to Explore the Shore
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Explore the Shore
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Explore the Shore
#9FAAA6
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#85A8AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Explore the Shore
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Explore the Shore 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 Dutch Boy Colors
Other Dutch Boy colors close to Explore the Shore.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Explore the Shore — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Explore the Shore from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Explore the Shore are Greyhound by Benjamin Moore (a near-identical match), Piedmont Gray by Benjamin Moore (a near-identical match), Eventide by Sherwin-Williams (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 Explore the Shore'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 Explore the Shore?
Explore the Shore has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 38.9, 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 Explore the Shore
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 Explore the Shore depends on the room. Here's how to choose.