Gray Owl BM OC-52

Gray Owl LRV and undertone

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (OC-52) has an LRV of 64.51, placing it in the light-depth range with moderate-to-high light reflectance. Light reflectance value measures how much visible light a paint color reflects on a scale from 0 to 100. This value means Gray Owl can reflect a substantial amount of light without approaching the reflectance of a white. Its color family is gray, while its calculated Lab undertone is green. That undertone can affect how the gray appears beside cooler or warmer finishes.

Undertones often become easier to identify when samples are compared directly with white trim, flooring, or cabinetry. North-facing light may emphasize cooler shifts, while stronger southern daylight can change the apparent balance of gray and green. Artificial lighting also influences perception. Before selecting Gray Owl for a whole room, place a sample on different walls and review it during both daytime and evening conditions.

Gray Owl in other brands

Valspar Tempered Gray (4004-1A) has an LRV of 64.93 and a ΔE of 1.7, making it a very close match. Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204) has an LRV of 63.0 and a ΔE of 2.0, placing it just beyond the very-close threshold. Valspar Seashell Gray (4003-1A) measures ΔE 2.4, while Behr Silver Drop (790C-2) measures ΔE 2.6. Both are close but visibly different when placed beside the original.

Behr Dolphin Fin (790C-3) has a ΔE of 2.7, and Sherwin-Williams Drift of Mist (SW 9166) measures ΔE 2.8. PPG Whiskers (PPG1025-3), at ΔE 3.4, is also a close but visible difference. PPG Elemental (PPG1011-2) has a ΔE of 4.0, reaching the upper boundary of the close-match category. ΔE describes measured color difference; it does not indicate finish compatibility or paint performance.

Lighter and darker Benjamin Moore alternatives

Benjamin Moore Light Pewter (1464) has an LRV of 67.52, making it lighter than Gray Owl. Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist (OC-27), at 65.53, provides a smaller increase in reflectance, while Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20), at 68.64, is the lightest of these three alternatives. They may suit rooms where a lighter neutral is preferred without moving into the highest-reflectance white range.

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (HC-170) has an LRV of 59.36, making it darker than Gray Owl. Its lower reflectance may help establish more contrast with white trim or ceilings. Compare samples beside the intended finishes, and assess them under the room’s actual lighting. A change in sheen can also affect reflections, so compare finishes consistently before making the final selection.

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