White Metal Behr N520-1

White Metal LRV and undertone

Behr White Metal (N520-1) has an LRV of 63, placing it in the light range. Light reflectance value indicates how much visible light a paint color reflects, so this gray can help a room feel brighter than a darker gray. Its color family is gray, and its calculated undertone is neutral. That neutral classification means the supplied color data does not indicate a distinct warm or cool undertone.

Even a neutral gray can appear different as daylight changes. North-facing light often makes grays look cooler, while stronger southern daylight can reveal more of their underlying balance. Nearby flooring, furnishings, and trim can also affect perception. White Metal may work with lighter trim for a subtle contrast or with darker trim for a more defined edge. Before painting an entire room, view a sample beside the actual flooring and trim, then check it in both daylight and artificial light.

White Metal in other brands

PPG Elemental (PPG1011-2) is the nearest listed cross-brand match, with an LRV of 66.0 and a ΔE of 1.7. Valspar Modern Gray (8005-1A) has an LRV of 70.0 and a ΔE of 2.4, while Valspar Seashell Gray (4003-1A) has an LRV of 69.25 and the same ΔE of 2.4. Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (HC-170) has an LRV of 59.36 and a ΔE of 2.7.

ΔE measures the difference between two colors. A value below 1 means near-identical; 1 to 2 means very close; 2 to 4 means close but visibly different side by side; and above 4 means only similar. Elemental is therefore a very close measured match, while the other three are close but visibly different. Their LRVs also indicate differences in light reflection, particularly for the Valspar options.

Lighter and darker Behr alternatives

Behr Dove (HDC-MD-21) has an LRV of 66 and a ΔE of 3.8, making it a lighter alternative by reflectance. It may suit spaces where slightly more reflected light is desirable. Behr Chic Gray (PPU26-10), with an LRV of 60 and a ΔE of 2.8, offers a modestly darker option. Behr Light French Gray (720E-2) has an LRV of 61 and a ΔE of 3.2, so it is also darker by LRV.

Behr Dolphin Fin (790C-3) has an LRV of 59 and a ΔE of 3.8, providing another lower-reflectance choice. Compare these colors directly under the room’s actual lighting. A small LRV difference may affect brightness without making two colors identical, so use samples to assess both depth and undertone before committing.

Before you buy, compare a physical sample with the swatch on Behr’s page for White Metal.