Ref. #7C7D82 · RB280-02
Whale Tail
21%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Whale Tail Technical Profile
What color is Whale Tail? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #7C7D82. Colors similar to Whale Tail include Dunn-Edwards Tarnished Silver, Valspar Nuts and Bolts, Benjamin Moore Charcoal Linen. Whale Tail has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 21, Whale Tail 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, Whale Tail 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 Whale Tail
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Whale Tail
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Whale Tail
#7C7D82
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#9284AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Whale Tail
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Whale Tail 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 Whale Tail.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Whale Tail — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Whale Tail have?
Whale Tail by Kilz has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Whale Tail from other brands?
The closest matches are Tarnished Silver by Dunn-Edwards (#797B80), Nuts and Bolts by Valspar (#7C7F86), Charcoal Linen by Benjamin Moore (#7D8085). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Whale Tail?
Whale Tail has an LRV of 20.6, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Whale Tail
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 Whale Tail's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.