Encounter

Technical Profile

What color is Encounter? It's a light cool blue with the hex code #A9CFE9. Colors similar to Encounter include Vista Paint Marzena Dream, Kilz Sea Balm, Hirshfield's Marzena Dream. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Encounter has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Encounter (#A9CFE9) by Valspar is a light blue paint color with a rich, saturated presence that draws the eye. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. Its Light Reflectance Value of 79 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. Light blues are classic in bathrooms, bedrooms, and coastal-themed living rooms. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Encounter pairs beautifully with orange tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring blue and teal hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (blue) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Valspar is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Vista Paint, Kilz, Hirshfield's and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Encounter offers a breezy, coastal serenity that keeps spaces feeling clean and refreshed. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for nautical, classic traditional, and Hamptons-style interiors. As part of the Valspar palette, Encounter benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Encounter are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Encounter (4008-7B) directly from Valspar or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.