Polar Bear → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Behr Polar Bear (PPU18-07-2), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Polar Bear
If you love Behr Polar Bear 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.
Polar Bear (PPU18-07-2) is a very light white with warm bright white undertones. A bright white with the slightest warm cream undertone. Behr's most popular warm bright white. Slightly warmer than Dove, slightly brighter than Painter's White. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 87) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Polar Bear 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 Gypsum (PPG1025-1) with a Delta E of 3.4, which is a "good match" level match. Gypsum captures similar warm off-white warmth. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
PPG Matches for Polar Bear
Gypsum captures similar warm off-white warmth.
| Polar Bear | Gypsum | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 87 | 78 |
| Hex | #F1EFE8 | #E8E2D6 |
| Undertone | Warm Bright White | Warm Cream |
| Family | White | Off-White |
Undertone Comparison
Polar Bear has warm bright white undertones. A bright white with the slightest warm cream undertone. Behr's most popular warm bright white. Slightly warmer than Dove, slightly brighter than Painter's White.
Gypsum has warm cream undertones. A warm, creamy off-white with organic undertones. PPG's answer to the warm white trend. Named for the natural mineral, it captures that earthy, unprocessed quality that makes warm whites feel more natural than clinical.
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
Polar Bear in Your Room
Clean and bright with barely-there warmth. In most rooms, reads as a bright white. The cream is only visible next to a true cool white.
Gypsum in Your Room
Warm and inviting in all rooms. The cream undertone is gentle and never overwhelming. In bright rooms, it reads as a warm white. In dim rooms, the cream provides cozy warmth.
LRV and Brightness
Polar Bear has an LRV of 87, while Gypsum has an LRV of 78. That means Polar Bear reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Polar Bear will make the space feel brighter and more open than Gypsum. If you are switching to the PPG option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.
Best Rooms for Polar Bear
Behr recommends Polar Bear for: trim, ceilings, cabinets, whole house, bathroom. With an LRV of 87, this is a very light color that reflects a lot of light and works well in any room, including smaller spaces where you want to maintain a bright, open feel. It is light enough for whole-house use without making rooms feel washed out or sterile.
Gypsum is recommended for: whole house, living room, bedroom, trim, hallway. 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.
Polar Bear in Other Brands
Looking for Polar Bear equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Polar Bear (PPU18-07-2) is Gypsum (PPG1025-1) with a Delta E of 3.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Gypsum captures similar warm off-white warmth. 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. Polar Bear is a Behr color with warm bright white undertones and an LRV of 87. Gypsum is a PPG color with warm cream undertones and an LRV of 78. With a Delta E of 3.4, 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 3.4, 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.