Ref. #86ABD5 · 4006-8A
Superior Blue
39%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Superior Blue Technical Profile
What color is Superior Blue? It's a medium cool blue with the hex code #86ABD5. Colors similar to Superior Blue include Hirshfield's Blue Parlor, Vista Paint Blue Parlor, Benjamin Moore Cascade. Superior Blue has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 39 gives Superior Blue depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Pair it with cool whites like Chantilly Lace, walnut or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Brass accents add warmth for a layered look. Blues stay crisp under 4000K+ cool LEDs. Under 2700K warm bulbs they can read grayer or shift slightly purple — particularly true for mid-tone and saturated blues.
Colors Similar to Superior Blue
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Superior Blue
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Superior Blue
#86ABD5
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#7D7BB7
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Superior Blue
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Superior Blue 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 Superior Blue.
More blue colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the blue family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Superior Blue — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Superior Blue have?
Superior Blue by Valspar has a neutral undertone and belongs to the blue color family.
What colors match Superior Blue from other brands?
The closest matches are Blue Parlor by Hirshfield's (#85ABDB), Blue Parlor by Vista Paint (#88ABDA), Cascade by Benjamin Moore (#8EAEDA). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Superior Blue?
Superior Blue has an LRV of 39.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Superior Blue
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 Superior Blue's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.