Finding a PPG Equivalent for Smoky White

If you love Behr Smoky White 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.

Smoky White (PPU12-10) is a light gray with cool light gray undertones. A very light, cool gray. Almost white with gray depth. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 68) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.

We calculated the perceptual color distance between Smoky White 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 Thin Ice (PPG1001-3) with a Delta E of 2.6, which is a "good match" level match. Thin Ice is the closest PPG option. Very close match. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.

PPG Matches for Smoky White

Thin Ice PPG1001-3
Good match · ΔE 2.6

Thin Ice is the closest PPG option. Very close match.

Smoky WhiteThin Ice
LRV6864
Hex#D8D6D1#D4D4D1
UndertoneCool Light GrayCool Light Gray
FamilyGrayGray

Undertone Comparison

Smoky White has cool light gray undertones. A very light, cool gray. Almost white with gray depth.

Thin Ice has cool light gray undertones. A very light, cool gray with minimal undertone. Like a thin sheet of ice over still water. Clean, modern, and barely there. PPG's answer to the ultra-light gray trend.

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

Smoky White in Your Room

Clean and cool. A modern light gray.

Thin Ice in Your Room

In bright rooms, nearly white with the faintest gray depth. In dim rooms, the gray becomes slightly more apparent. Stays neutral without pulling warm or cool.

LRV and Brightness

Smoky White has an LRV of 68, while Thin Ice has an LRV of 64. 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 Smoky White

Behr recommends Smoky White for: bathroom, bedroom, hallway, whole house. With an LRV of 68, 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.

Thin Ice is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, hallway, whole house, office. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Thin Ice in the same rooms you planned for Smoky White.

Smoky White in Other Brands

Looking for Smoky White equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest PPG match for Smoky White (PPU12-10) is Thin Ice (PPG1001-3) with a Delta E of 2.6, which rates as a "good match" match. Thin Ice 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. Smoky White is a Behr color with cool light gray undertones and an LRV of 68. Thin Ice is a PPG color with cool light gray undertones and an LRV of 64. With a Delta E of 2.6, 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 2.6, 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.

Colors on screen are approximations. Your monitor, lighting, and paint finish will affect how colors appear in your space. Always test with a physical paint sample before purchasing.

Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.