Ocean Air → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Behr Ocean Air (MQ3-20), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Ocean Air
If you love Behr Ocean Air 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.
Ocean Air (MQ3-20) is a light green with soft green-blue undertones. A soft, calming green-blue gray. Captures that spa-like serenity without committing to a strong green or blue. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 60) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Ocean Air 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 good news: there is a strong PPG match for Ocean Air. Misty Aqua (PPG1147-3) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Misty Aqua is the closest PPG option. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Ocean Air
Misty Aqua is the closest PPG option. Very close match.
| Ocean Air | Misty Aqua | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 60 | 60 |
| Hex | #C7D3CA | #C9D7D0 |
| Undertone | Soft Green-Blue | Soft Aqua-Green |
| Family | Green | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Ocean Air has soft green-blue undertones. A soft, calming green-blue gray. Captures that spa-like serenity without committing to a strong green or blue.
Misty Aqua has soft aqua-green undertones. A soft, misty aqua-green. Lighter and more delicate than Dusty Aqua. Like morning mist over a still pond. PPG's gentlest blue-green option for bathrooms and bedrooms.
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
Ocean Air in Your Room
Shifts between green and blue depending on light. In bright light, the green is more apparent. In cool or dim rooms, the blue comes forward. A beautiful chameleon.
Misty Aqua in Your Room
The aqua-green is whisper-soft. In bright rooms, the green and blue play together beautifully. In dim rooms, it reads as a cool, calming neutral. Always serene.
LRV and Brightness
Ocean Air has an LRV of 60, while Misty Aqua has an LRV of 60. 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 Ocean Air
Behr recommends Ocean Air for: bathroom, bedroom, nursery, laundry room, spa-like spaces. With an LRV of 60, this is a light color that is in the medium-light range, reflecting enough light to keep rooms feeling open while adding more color and depth than a white or off-white. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where you want warmth and character without darkness.
Misty Aqua is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, nursery, laundry room, sunroom. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Misty Aqua in the same rooms you planned for Ocean Air.
Ocean Air in Other Brands
Looking for Ocean Air equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Ocean Air (MQ3-20) is Misty Aqua (PPG1147-3) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Misty Aqua is the closest PPG option. Very close match. 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. Ocean Air is a Behr color with soft green-blue undertones and an LRV of 60. Misty Aqua is a PPG color with soft aqua-green undertones and an LRV of 60. With a Delta E of 2, these are extremely close and most people will not spot the difference on a wall. 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 2, these colors are close enough to use in separate rooms of the same house without a jarring difference. However, avoid painting them on adjacent walls in the same room, as even subtle differences become apparent at a hard edge where two paints meet. For the smoothest result, use one brand consistently within each connected space and reserve the other brand for rooms that are visually separated.
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.