Blue Arrow Valspar 5001-3C

Valspar Blue Arrow (5001-3C) LRV and undertone

Valspar Blue Arrow (5001-3C) has an LRV of 39.43, placing it in the mid-tone range. Light reflectance value measures how much visible light a surface reflects. At this level, Blue Arrow reflects less light than pale neutrals but more than dark paints, giving it a middle position in terms of brightness. It belongs to the blue color family and has a calculated cool, blue undertone. The supplied hex value, #9BACAC, also indicates a subdued color rather than a highly saturated blue.

In a room, cooler undertones can appear more pronounced under cool daylight or beside warmer finishes. North-facing rooms generally receive cooler light, while south-facing spaces tend to receive warmer daylight. Consider the floor, cabinetry, and trim when assessing the overall balance. A sample on multiple walls can show whether the color reads differently as the light changes. Matte and higher-sheen finishes may also differ in their apparent brightness.

Valspar Blue Arrow (5001-3C) in other brands

PPG After the Storm (PPG1036-4) is the nearest listed match, with an LRV of 34.0 and ΔE 4.1. Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165) follows at LRV 43.26 and ΔE 4.2. Both are only similar by the supplied ΔE 2000 scale because their values exceed 4. Behr Watery (HDC-CT-26), with LRV 49.0 and ΔE 4.9, also falls into this category.

Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue (HC-143) has ΔE 6.8, as does Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay (SW 6206). Their larger differences mean that the colors should not be assumed interchangeable. Sherwin-Williams Acacia Haze (SW 9132), at LRV 32.0 and ΔE 7.6, is another broad alternative rather than a close match. Compare physical samples under the intended lighting.

Lighter and darker Valspar alternatives

Valspar Café Blue (5001-4A), at LRV 29.07 and ΔE 7.0, is darker by reflectance. It may suit a wall where less light reflection and a deeper appearance are preferred. Valspar Granite Dust (5006-1C) has LRV 48.11 and ΔE 8.4, making it lighter. Valspar Gravity (4005-1B), at LRV 56.26 and ΔE 10.0, reflects more light still.

Valspar Filtered Shade (4003-1B) is also lighter, with an LRV of 58.45 and ΔE 12.0. Its greater reflectance may help maintain brightness in a room, although the large ΔE indicates a noticeable color difference. Choose between these alternatives based on the required brightness, then compare samples with existing finishes to assess their actual color relationships.

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