Ref. #778489 · 5001-2A
Academy Gray
22%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Academy Gray Technical Profile
What color is Academy Gray? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #778489. Colors similar to Academy Gray include RAL Squirrel Grey, Benjamin Moore Smokestack Gray, PPG Garrison Gray. Academy Gray has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 22, Academy Gray 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, Academy Gray 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 Academy Gray
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Academy Gray
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Academy Gray
#778489
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#858EAD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Academy Gray
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Academy Gray 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 Valspar Colors
Other Valspar colors close to Academy Gray.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Academy Gray — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Academy Gray have?
Academy Gray by Valspar has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Academy Gray from other brands?
The closest matches are Squirrel Grey by RAL (#78858B), Smokestack Gray by Benjamin Moore (#738388), Garrison Gray by PPG (#7B8588). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Academy Gray?
Academy Gray has an LRV of 22.2, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Academy Gray
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 Academy Gray's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.