Ref. #909498 · RL120
Dark Sterling
29%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Dark Sterling Technical Profile
What color is Dark Sterling? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #909498. Colors similar to Dark Sterling include Behr Gourmet Mushroom, Behr Dark Pewter, Benjamin Moore Deep Silver. Dark Sterling has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 29 gives Dark Sterling depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Dark Sterling 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 Dark Sterling
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Dark Sterling
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Dark Sterling
#909498
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8585AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Dark Sterling
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Dark Sterling 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 Kilz Colors
Other Kilz colors close to Dark Sterling.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Dark Sterling — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Dark Sterling have?
Dark Sterling by Kilz has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Dark Sterling from other brands?
The closest matches are Gourmet Mushroom by Behr (#8D9398), Dark Pewter by Behr (#8D9397), Deep Silver by Benjamin Moore (#8C9195). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Dark Sterling?
Dark Sterling has an LRV of 29.4, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Dark Sterling
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 Dark Sterling's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.