Ref. #47535C · RE120-02
Kettle Black
8%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Kettle Black Technical Profile
What color is Kettle Black? It's a dark cool gray with the hex code #47535C. Colors similar to Kettle Black include PPG Soothing Sapphire, Hirshfield's Vermont Slate, Vista Paint Vermont Slate. Kettle Black has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 8, Kettle Black 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, Kettle Black 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 Kettle Black
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Soothing Sapphire
PPG
Nearly identical
Vermont Slate
Hirshfield's
Nearly identical
Vermont Slate
Vista Paint
Nearly identical
Plot Twist
Valspar
Nearly identical
Nightfall
Dunn-Edwards
Nearly identical
Wool .06
Colorhouse
Nearly identical
Brush Blue
Benjamin Moore
Nearly identical
Sea Serpent
Sherwin-Williams
Very similar
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Kettle Black
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Kettle Black
#47535C
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#565980
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Kettle Black
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Kettle 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 Kilz Colors
Other Kilz colors close to Kettle 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.
Kettle Black — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Kettle Black have?
Kettle Black by Kilz has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Kettle Black from other brands?
The closest matches are Soothing Sapphire by PPG (#48545D), Vermont Slate by Hirshfield's (#48535A), Vermont Slate by Vista Paint (#495259). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Kettle Black?
Kettle Black has an LRV of 8.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Kettle 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 Kettle Black's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.