Ref. #6B6E71 · 4005-2B
High-Speed Steel
16%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
High-Speed Steel Technical Profile
What color is High-Speed Steel? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #6B6E71. Colors similar to High-Speed Steel include Benjamin Moore Trout Gray, Behr Dark Ash, Benjamin Moore Ashland Slate. High-Speed Steel has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 16, High-Speed Steel 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, High-Speed Steel 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 High-Speed Steel
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With High-Speed Steel
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
High-Speed Steel
#6B6E71
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#70709F
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for High-Speed Steel
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
High-Speed Steel 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 High-Speed Steel.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
High-Speed Steel — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does High-Speed Steel have?
High-Speed Steel by Valspar has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match High-Speed Steel from other brands?
The closest matches are Trout Gray by Benjamin Moore (#6A6E71), Dark Ash by Behr (#6A6D6F), Ashland Slate by Benjamin Moore (#6A6E73). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of High-Speed Steel?
High-Speed Steel has an LRV of 15.5, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with High-Speed Steel
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 High-Speed Steel's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.