After the Storm PPG 1036-4

After the Storm LRV and undertone

PPG After the Storm (PPG1036-4) has an LRV of 34, placing it in the mid-tone range. Light reflectance value measures how much visible light a paint color reflects. At this level, After the Storm absorbs more light than a pale color, so it can appear deeper on walls, particularly in rooms with limited daylight. Its blue color family and calculated cool blue undertone give it a cool color direction. The hex value is #919FA1. However, actual appearance depends on lighting, surrounding finishes, and the surface being painted.

In north-facing rooms, cooler daylight can emphasize blue undertones, while stronger southern exposure may make the color appear lighter. White trim can create a clearer contrast, whereas darker trim can reduce the visual separation. Before painting an entire room, test a sample on several walls and observe it throughout the day.

After the Storm in other brands

Several colors from other manufacturers provide comparison points, although their measured differences matter. Valspar Blue Arrow (5001-3C), with an LRV of 39.43 and ΔE 4.1, is a similar option, but its difference should be visible when samples sit side by side. Valspar Café Blue (5001-4A), at LRV 29.07 and ΔE 4.2, is another similar choice with a lower light reflectance value. Sherwin-Williams Acacia Haze (SW 9132) has an LRV of 32 and ΔE 6.5, making it only similar rather than a close match. Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165), with an LRV of 43.26 and ΔE 6.6, also differs noticeably.

ΔE 2000 measures color difference: values below 1 indicate near-identical colors, 1 to 2 indicate very close matches, and 2 to 4 indicate close but visible differences. Values above 4 mean the colors are only similar. Therefore, none of these listed alternatives qualifies as a close match under that scale.

Lighter and darker PPG alternatives

For a darker alternative, PPG Gray Heron (PPG1033-5) has an LRV of 28, five points below After the Storm. PPG Chalky Blue (PPG1153-5), at LRV 27, is seven points lower. Both reflect less light, which can make a wall appear deeper in the same lighting. PPG Farm Fresh (PPG1129-5), at LRV 31, is slightly darker by reflectance, although its green color family changes the comparison.

For a lighter alternative, PPG Flagstone (PPG1001-4) has an LRV of 41, seven points higher. It reflects more light and may suit rooms where a brighter wall finish is the goal. These alternatives have ΔE values of 6.7 to 9.9 relative to After the Storm, so they are not close color matches. Compare physical samples under the room’s actual lighting before choosing.

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