Thunder BM AF-685

Thunder LRV and undertone

Benjamin Moore Thunder (AF-685) has an LRV of 47.58, which places it in the mid-tone range. Light reflectance value measures how much visible light a surface reflects. At this level, the color reflects less light than a typical light neutral while remaining lighter than many dark paint colors. Its calculated color family is greige, and its undertone is warm yellow. The supplied hex value is #BDB8AD. The combination of gray and beige characteristics makes it useful to compare with nearby neutrals, but the yellow undertone deserves attention when coordinating finishes.

Warm undertones can appear more pronounced under warm artificial lighting and in south-facing rooms with warmer daylight. Cooler north-facing light may reduce that warmth or make the color appear more subdued. These are general lighting effects, so sample the paint near flooring and cabinetry before deciding. White trim can emphasize the difference between the wall and its surroundings. For a more continuous transition, compare trim options with similar warmth and lightness rather than relying on paint names.

Thunder in other brands

Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray (SW 7016) has an LRV of 48.0 and a ΔE of 0.5. PPG Ghost Writer (PPG1007-3) also has an LRV of 48.0 and a ΔE of 0.5. Both are near-identical matches by the supplied color-difference measurements. A ΔE below 1 indicates that the difference is extremely small, although separate paint formulas and finishes may still produce different results on a wall.

Sherwin-Williams Anew Gray (SW 7030) has an LRV of 47.0 and a ΔE of 2.0, placing it at the boundary of the very-close range. Valspar Granite Dust (5006-1C) has an LRV of 48.11 and a ΔE of 3.2, making it close but visibly different. Behr Natural Gray (PPU18-10), with an LRV of 53.0 and a ΔE of 3.6, is another close option with greater reflectance. Test these alternatives together before choosing a substitute.

Lighter and darker Benjamin Moore alternatives

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172) has an LRV of 55.05, making it lighter than Thunder. Its ΔE of 3.8 indicates a close but visible difference. This option may suit a room where you want to reflect more light without moving into the lightest color range. Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray (HC-169) has an LRV of 48.18, so it is marginally lighter, but its ΔE of 4.3 signals a more noticeable difference.

Benjamin Moore Pashmina (AF-100) has an LRV of 44.2, making it darker. Its ΔE of 3.1 indicates a close but visible match. Consider a darker alternative when you want the wall to reflect less light or create more separation from lighter adjacent surfaces. Compare samples under the room’s actual lighting, and keep the same sheen during testing to make the comparison more meaningful.

Before you buy, compare a physical sample with the swatch on Benjamin Moore’s page for Thunder.