Black Magic PPG 1001-7

PPG Black Magic (PPG1001-7) LRV and undertone

PPG Black Magic (PPG1001-7) has an LRV of 4, placing it at the very dark end of the light-reflectance scale. LRV indicates how much visible light a surface reflects; at this level, a painted wall reflects very little light. Black Magic belongs to the black color family, with a neutral undertone calculated from its Lab values. It therefore provides a dark, neutral direction rather than a calculated warm or cool cast. The low LRV can make wall surfaces read much darker than mid-tone colors.

When considering a very dark paint, check how daylight and room lighting affect the sample throughout the day. In spaces with limited natural light, dark surfaces may appear especially deep. Lighter trim can create a distinct edge, while darker trim produces less separation. A sample painted on a large board is easier to assess than a small chip because it shows more of the color across different viewing angles.

PPG Black Magic in other brands

Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069) is the closest listed alternative, with an LRV of 6 and a ΔE of 1.9. A ΔE from 1 to 2 means the colors are very close, but not necessarily identical. Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (2124-10) has an LRV of 8.17 and a ΔE of 3.5. That difference falls within the close-but-visible range, especially when both samples sit next to each other.

Sherwin-Williams Cyberspace (SW 7076) has an LRV of 6 and a ΔE of 4.4. Because its ΔE exceeds 4, it is only similar to Black Magic rather than a close match. Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain (2134-30), with an LRV of 10.96 and a ΔE of 7.3, differs more substantially. Compare samples directly before treating any cross-brand option as interchangeable.

Lighter and darker PPG alternatives

All four listed same-brand alternatives have higher LRVs than Black Magic, so each reflects more light. PPG Cavalry (PPG1041-7) has an LRV of 7, making it a slightly lighter option. PPG Sarsaparilla (PPG1018-7) has an LRV of 8 and belongs to the brown family with a warm red undertone. PPG Night Watch (PPG1145-7), at an LRV of 6, offers a smaller increase in light reflection.

PPG Knight’s Armor (PPG1001-6) has an LRV of 11, making it the lightest of these four alternatives. Its gray family and neutral undertone offer a different color direction from Black Magic’s black family. These options may suit projects that need more reflected light while retaining a dark appearance. Evaluate each sample beside fixed finishes to judge the difference.

Before you buy, compare a physical sample with the swatch on PPG’s page for Black Magic.