Granite Dust Valspar 5006-1C

Granite Dust LRV and undertone

Valspar Granite Dust (5006-1C) has an LRV of 48.11, placing it in the mid-tone range of the gray color family. Its hex value is #B8B9B2, and its calculated undertone is subtly green. Light reflectance value measures how much visible light a color reflects, from 0 for absolute black to 100 for pure white. At an LRV near 48, Granite Dust reflects a moderate amount of light, so its apparent depth will vary with room illumination and surrounding surfaces.

The subtle green undertone can make this gray appear different from a neutral gray, particularly beside whites or other grays with warmer or cooler undertones. North-facing daylight generally emphasizes cooler aspects of a color, while south-facing daylight tends to be warmer and stronger. Artificial lighting can also affect the visible balance. Before painting a full room, place a sample beside flooring, countertops, and trim. A brighter trim color may create a stronger contrast, while a similar-value finish can reduce the separation between surfaces.

Granite Dust in other brands

Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray (HC-169) has an LRV of 48.18 and a ΔE of 1.5, making it a very close match. Benjamin Moore Metropolitan (AF-690) has an LRV of 49.96 and a ΔE of 1.6, also placing it in the very close range. Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray (SW 7016) has an LRV of 48.0 and a ΔE of 3.1. PPG Ghost Writer (PPG1007-3) has the same LRV of 48.0 and a ΔE of 3.1. Both are close matches with visible differences when viewed side by side.

Sherwin-Williams Comfort Gray (SW 6205) has an LRV of 54.0 and a ΔE of 3.1, while Behr Natural Gray (PPU18-10) has an LRV of 53.0 and a ΔE of 3.7. These are also close but visibly different. Behr Dolphin Fin (790C-3) has a ΔE of 4.8, so it is only similar by this measure. ΔE values below 1 indicate near-identical colors, 1 to 2 indicate very close matches, and 2 to 4 indicate visible differences.

Lighter and darker Valspar alternatives

Valspar Filtered Shade (4003-1B), at LRV 58.45, is lighter than Granite Dust. Valspar Gravity (4005-1B), at LRV 56.26, is also lighter, as is Valspar Heritage Gray (7007-24), at LRV 60. These options may suit walls where a brighter gray is needed without moving into the light color range.

Valspar Tempered Gray (4004-1A) has an LRV of 64.93, making it the lightest of these alternatives. Its higher reflectance may be useful in rooms where the walls should reflect more available light. When comparing these grays, check both their measured LRV and their undertones, since greater light reflectance does not necessarily mean a closer visual match.

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