Moth Gray → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Behr Moth Gray (PPU18-13), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Moth Gray
If you love Behr Moth Gray but need a Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore, your local store does not carry Behr, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Moth Gray (PPU18-13) is a medium-dark gray with warm gray undertones. A warm medium gray. Solid and grounding. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 37) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Moth Gray and every Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore option is Nimbus (1465) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Nimbus is similar. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Moth Gray
Nimbus is similar.
| Moth Gray | Nimbus | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 37 | 43.28 |
| Hex | #B0ADA7 | #BAB7B0 |
| Undertone | Warm Gray | Warm Green-Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Moth Gray has warm gray undertones. A warm medium gray. Solid and grounding.
Nimbus has warm green-gray undertones. A medium gray with warm green undertones. Deeper than Silver Chain, greener than Smoke Embers. A sophisticated mid-tone neutral.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Moth Gray's warm gray quality may read differently than Nimbus's warm green-gray character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Moth Gray in Your Room
Warm and reliable. A good mid-tone warm gray.
Nimbus in Your Room
The green is subtle but present. In bright rooms, it reads as a soft sage-gray. In dim rooms, it's a warm medium gray.
LRV and Brightness
Moth Gray has an LRV of 37, while Nimbus has an LRV of 43.28. That means Nimbus reflects more light. If you switch from Moth Gray to Nimbus, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Moth Gray
Behr recommends Moth Gray for: living room, bedroom, office, hallway, exterior. With an LRV of 37, 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.
Nimbus is recommended for: living room, bedroom, dining room, office, accent wall. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Nimbus in the same rooms you planned for Moth Gray.
Moth Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Moth Gray equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Moth Gray (PPU18-13) is Nimbus (1465) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Nimbus is similar. 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. Moth Gray is a Behr color with warm gray undertones and an LRV of 37. Nimbus is a Benjamin Moore color with warm green-gray undertones and an LRV of 43.28. 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 Benjamin Moore equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Benjamin Moore. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Benjamin Moore 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.