Steel Curtain works as a warm neutral anchor — pairs cleanly with most existing palettes and reads forgiving across lighting conditions. At LRV 34 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it if you want a crisp, cool-modern look, or in rooms with heavy north light that can pull its warmth slightly muddy.
Ref. #9B9F9A · PPG0994-5
Steel Curtain
34%LRV Value
Steel Curtain Technical Profile
What color is PPG Steel Curtain (PPG0994-5)? It's a medium warm gray — hex #9B9F9A, LRV 34. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Steel Curtain is Vista Paint Pussy Willow — a near-identical match on the wall, with Dunn-Edwards Concrete Jungle and Behr Brampton Gray also close. Its LRV of 34 gives Steel Curtain depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Steel Curtain pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. At mid depth, Steel Curtain 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. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler. At mid depth Steel Curtain holds its character across bulb temperatures, shifting only slightly warm under 2700K and slightly crisper under cool daylight.
Use this color
Get this color
Some sample and supply links are affiliate links — if you buy through them, Paint Color HQ may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the site free.
Colors Similar to Steel Curtain
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Steel Curtain
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Steel Curtain
#9B9F9A
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#85AD91
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Steel Curtain
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Steel Curtain 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 Steel Curtain.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Steel Curtain — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Steel Curtain from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Steel Curtain are Pussy Willow by Vista Paint (a near-identical match), Concrete Jungle by Dunn-Edwards (a near-identical match), Brampton Gray by Behr (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 Steel Curtain'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 Steel Curtain?
Steel Curtain has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 34.1, 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 Steel Curtain
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 Steel Curtain depends on the room. Here's how to choose.