Chalky Blue PPG 1153-5

Chalky Blue LRV and undertone

PPG Chalky Blue (PPG1153-5) has an LRV of 27, placing it in the dark range. Light reflectance value measures the percentage of visible light a color reflects. With this relatively low value, Chalky Blue absorbs more light than lighter paints, so walls may look deeper in rooms with limited natural illumination. Its color family is blue, and its calculated undertone is cool blue. The hex value is #7B8F99. These measurements describe the color’s relative characteristics, but the finished appearance also depends on lighting, sheen, and nearby surfaces.

North-facing daylight can emphasize cool undertones, while direct southern exposure may make blue paint look lighter. Consider the room’s window size and existing floor color when assessing the result. A lighter trim color can define the edges of a dark wall, while matching darker finishes can reduce contrast. Test a sample in different parts of the room before committing.

Chalky Blue in other brands

Behr Adirondack Blue (N480-5) is the nearest listed comparison, with an LRV of 23 and ΔE 3.6. This makes it a close match, although the difference remains visible when samples sit beside each other. Valspar Café Blue (5001-4A), with an LRV of 29.07 and ΔE 6.4, is only similar. Sherwin-Williams Cityscape (SW 7067) has an LRV of 22 and ΔE 9.7, indicating a substantial color difference despite its lower light reflectance. Valspar Blue Arrow (5001-3C), at LRV 39.43 and ΔE 10.4, differs in both measured color and reflectance.

ΔE 2000 expresses the measured difference between two colors. A value under 1 means near-identical, 1 to 2 means very close, and 2 to 4 means close but visibly different side by side. Values over 4 indicate colors that are only similar. Accordingly, Behr Adirondack Blue is the strongest listed cross-brand match, but it is not near-identical.

Lighter and darker PPG alternatives

PPG Gray Heron (PPG1033-5), with an LRV of 28, is slightly lighter than Chalky Blue. PPG Farm Fresh (PPG1129-5), at LRV 31, reflects more light and offers a green color family instead of blue. PPG After the Storm (PPG1036-4), at LRV 34, is seven points higher and belongs to the mid-tone range. These options may suit spaces where the existing color feels too dark, though their measured ΔE values show visible differences.

For a lighter wall treatment, compare these higher-LRV options in the room itself. None of the listed same-brand alternatives has an LRV below 27, so the supplied data does not identify a darker PPG option. Sheen also affects perceived brightness: sample the intended finish and check the color under both daylight and artificial lighting.

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