Cathedral Gray → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Behr Cathedral Gray (PPU18-14), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Cathedral Gray
If you love Behr Cathedral Gray but need a PPG alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers PPG, your local store does not carry Behr, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Cathedral Gray (PPU18-14) is a medium-dark gray with warm medium gray undertones. A warm medium gray. Solid and grounding. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 30) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Cathedral Gray and every PPG color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest PPG option is Ash (PPG1025-6) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Ash is the closest PPG option. Similar character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
PPG Matches for Cathedral Gray
Ash is the closest PPG option. Similar character.
| Cathedral Gray | Ash | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 30 | 28 |
| Hex | #A3A09B | #A29B92 |
| Undertone | Warm Medium Gray | Warm Ash-Taupe |
| Family | Gray | Taupe |
Undertone Comparison
Cathedral Gray has warm medium gray undertones. A warm medium gray. Solid and grounding.
Ash has warm ash-taupe undertones. A warm, earthy taupe with ash-like undertones. Deeper than Transcend, with the muted quality of cold fireplace ash. Sophisticated and grounding. PPG's strongest dark neutral option for interiors.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Cathedral Gray in Your Room
Warm and reliable. A good mid-tone gray.
Ash in Your Room
In bright light, the warm taupe character is visible. In dim rooms, it reads as a warm, substantial dark neutral. The ash quality gives it an organic, lived-in feel.
LRV and Brightness
Cathedral Gray has an LRV of 30, while Ash has an LRV of 28. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Cathedral Gray
Behr recommends Cathedral Gray for: living room, exterior, office, accent wall. With an LRV of 30, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Ash is recommended for: accent wall, exterior, office, dining room, bedroom. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Cathedral Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Cathedral Gray equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Cathedral Gray (PPU18-14) is Ash (PPG1025-6) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Ash is the closest PPG option. Similar character. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Cathedral Gray is a Behr color with warm medium gray undertones and an LRV of 30. Ash is a PPG color with warm ash-taupe undertones and an LRV of 28. With a Delta E of 3.8, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 3.8, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a PPG equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in PPG. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing PPG work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.