Moth Gray → Valspar
The closest Valspar matches for Behr Moth Gray (PPU18-13), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Valspar Equivalent for Moth Gray
If you love Behr Moth Gray but need a Valspar 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 Valspar, 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 Valspar 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 Valspar 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 Valspar option is Smoke Infusion (VR083G) with a Delta E of 3.7, which is a "good match" level match. Smoke Infusion is the closest Valspar option. Similar character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Valspar Matches for Moth Gray
Smoke Infusion is the closest Valspar option. Similar character.
| Moth Gray | Smoke Infusion | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 37 | 38 |
| Hex | #B0ADA7 | #B3ADA3 |
| Undertone | Warm Gray | Warm Smoky Greige |
| Family | Gray | Greige |
Undertone Comparison
Moth Gray has warm gray undertones. A warm medium gray. Solid and grounding.
Smoke Infusion has warm smoky greige undertones. A warm greige with a smoky quality. Deeper than Stone Mason Gray, with rich, layered warmth.
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
Moth Gray in Your Room
Warm and reliable. A good mid-tone warm gray.
Smoke Infusion in Your Room
Warm and smoky. In bright rooms, a warm mid-tone greige. In dim rooms, rich and intimate.
LRV and Brightness
Moth Gray has an LRV of 37, while Smoke Infusion has an LRV of 38. 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 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.
Smoke Infusion is recommended for: living room, dining room, bedroom, accent wall, office. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Smoke Infusion in the same rooms you planned for Moth Gray.
Moth Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Moth Gray equivalents in other brands besides Valspar? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Valspar match for Moth Gray (PPU18-13) is Smoke Infusion (VR083G) with a Delta E of 3.7, which rates as a "good match" match. Smoke Infusion is the closest Valspar 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. Moth Gray is a Behr color with warm gray undertones and an LRV of 37. Smoke Infusion is a Valspar color with warm smoky greige undertones and an LRV of 38. With a Delta E of 3.7, 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 3.7, 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 Valspar equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Valspar. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Valspar 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.