Bittersweet Molasses 8005-12G is a neutral paint color from Valspar. It has a hex value of #534C4C, LRV 8 and a warm (pink) undertone. Its closest cross-brand match is Instant Classic from Behr (nearly identical), with 49 more equivalents across other brands.
Ref. #534C4C · 8005-12G
Bittersweet Molasses
8%LRV Value
Warm (Pink)Undertone
Bittersweet Molasses Technical Profile
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Bittersweet Molasses in Every Brand
The closest equivalent to Bittersweet Molasses in each major paint brand, ranked by how close the match reads. Always verify with a physical sample. How we calculate match accuracy →
ValsparBittersweet Molasses
Nearly identical
BehrInstant Classic
Instant Classic
Behr
Nearly identical
Metropolis
Sherwin-Williams
Nearly identical
Black Elegance
PPG
Nearly identical
Tanner's Brown
Farrow & Ball
Very similar
Espresso Macchiato
Dunn-Edwards
Very similar
Orchid Black
Dutch Boy
Very similar
Silhouette
Benjamin Moore
Very similar
Cattail
Kilz
Very similar
Smokescreen
Hirshfield's
Very similar
Gargoyle
Vista Paint
Very similar
Nourish .05
Colorhouse
Visible difference
Comparing these brands? Order peel-and-stick samples of your top matches — Samplize buy 8 peel-and-stick samples, get 2 free.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Bittersweet Molasses
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Bittersweet Molasses
#534C4C
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#7E6954
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Bittersweet Molasses
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Bittersweet Molasses 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 Bittersweet Molasses.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Bittersweet Molasses — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Bittersweet Molasses have?
Bittersweet Molasses by Valspar has a warm (pink) undertone and sits in the neutral color family. The undertone shifts with light — warmer under 2700K bulbs, cleaner and cooler under 4000K daylight — so sample Bittersweet Molasses in your own space before committing.
What colors match Bittersweet Molasses from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Bittersweet Molasses are Instant Classic by Behr (a near-identical match), Harvest Oak by Behr (a near-identical match), Metropolis by Sherwin-Williams (a near-identical match) — the best options for getting Bittersweet Molasses's look from a brand your local store carries. Confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of Bittersweet Molasses?
Bittersweet Molasses has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 7.5, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white — that makes it a deep, dramatic color best saved for accent walls, dining rooms, and cozy spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light.
Explore More with Bittersweet Molasses
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 Bittersweet Molasses's warm (pink) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.