Playing Possum is a true neutral — the rare paint color that doesn't push warm or cool, which makes it forgiving across mixed-lighting rooms and existing palettes. At LRV 31 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it only if you specifically want a clear warm or cool bias — a true neutral stays intentionally undecided, which is the whole point.
Ref. #969795 · PPG0997-5
Playing Possum
31%LRV Value
Playing Possum Technical Profile
What color is PPG Playing Possum (PPG0997-5)? It's a medium neutral gray — hex #969795, LRV 31. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Playing Possum is Behr Shark Fin — a near-identical match on the wall, with Dunn-Edwards Gris and Benjamin Moore Wall Street also close. Its LRV of 31 gives Playing Possum depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Playing Possum 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. At mid depth, Playing Possum 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. 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. At mid depth Playing Possum 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 Playing Possum
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Playing Possum
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Playing Possum
#969795
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#85AD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Playing Possum
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Playing Possum 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 PPG Colors
Other PPG colors close to Playing Possum.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Playing Possum — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Playing Possum from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Playing Possum are Shark Fin by Behr (a near-identical match), Gris by Dunn-Edwards (a near-identical match), Wall Street by Benjamin Moore (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 Playing Possum'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 Playing Possum?
Playing Possum has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 30.8, 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 Playing Possum
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 Playing Possum depends on the room. Here's how to choose.