Ref. #AF9781 · 7519
Mexican Sand
33%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Mexican Sand Technical Profile
What color is Mexican Sand? It's a medium warm brown with the hex code #AF9781. Colors similar to Mexican Sand include Behr Roasted Hazelnut, Behr Potters Clay, Valspar Changing Seasons. Mexican Sand has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 33 gives Mexican Sand depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Mexican Sand 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. 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.
Colors Similar to Mexican Sand
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Mexican Sand
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Mexican Sand
#AF9781
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#ADAD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Mexican Sand
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Mexican Sand 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 Sherwin-Williams Colors
Other Sherwin-Williams colors close to Mexican Sand.
More brown colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the brown family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Mexican Sand — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Mexican Sand have?
Mexican Sand by Sherwin-Williams has a neutral undertone and belongs to the brown color family.
What colors match Mexican Sand from other brands?
The closest matches are Roasted Hazelnut by Behr (#B0967F), Potters Clay by Behr (#B29781), Changing Seasons by Valspar (#B2977E). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Mexican Sand?
Mexican Sand has an LRV of 32.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Mexican Sand
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 Mexican Sand's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.