Ref. #6A6B6B · RM160
Sooty
15%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Sooty Technical Profile
What color is Sooty? It's a deep neutral gray with the hex code #6A6B6B. Colors similar to Sooty include Dunn-Edwards Boat Anchor, MPC Metalshop Grey, Benjamin Moore Overcoat. Sooty has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 15, Sooty creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Sooty 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. 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.
Colors Similar to Sooty
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Sooty
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Sooty
#6A6B6B
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#6B849D
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Sooty
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Sooty 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 Sooty.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Sooty — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Sooty have?
Sooty by Kilz has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Sooty from other brands?
The closest matches are Boat Anchor by Dunn-Edwards (#6C6B6A), Metalshop Grey by MPC (#686868), Overcoat by Benjamin Moore (#6A6968). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Sooty?
Sooty has an LRV of 14.6, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Sooty
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 Sooty's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.