Soft Focus → Valspar
The closest Valspar matches for Behr Soft Focus (PPU12-11), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Valspar Equivalent for Soft Focus
If you love Behr Soft Focus 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.
Soft Focus (PPU12-11) is a light gray with cool neutral gray undertones. A light, clean gray with minimal undertone. One of Behr's most truly neutral grays. To find a good Valspar match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 62) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Soft Focus 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 good news: there is a strong Valspar match for Soft Focus. Hazy Stratus (VR084D) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Hazy Stratus is the closest Valspar option. Very close match.
Valspar Matches for Soft Focus
Hazy Stratus is the closest Valspar option. Very close match.
| Soft Focus | Hazy Stratus | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 62 | 62 |
| Hex | #D2D2CE | #D3D1CC |
| Undertone | Cool Neutral Gray | Cool Light Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Soft Focus has cool neutral gray undertones. A light, clean gray with minimal undertone. One of Behr's most truly neutral grays.
Hazy Stratus has cool light gray undertones. A cool, clean light gray with minimal undertone. Reads as a modern, balanced gray without strong color pulls. Valspar's answer to the popular 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
Soft Focus in Your Room
Stays neutral in most lighting conditions. A safe, clean gray that won't surprise you with unexpected undertones.
Hazy Stratus in Your Room
Stays neutral in most conditions. In bright rooms, it reads as a clean, modern light gray. In dim rooms, it adds soft depth without feeling cold. Does not pull pink, green, or purple like many grays.
LRV and Brightness
Soft Focus has an LRV of 62, while Hazy Stratus has an LRV of 62. 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 Soft Focus
Behr recommends Soft Focus for: living room, bedroom, bathroom, hallway, office. With an LRV of 62, 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.
Hazy Stratus is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, hallway, living room, office. 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.
Soft Focus in Other Brands
Looking for Soft Focus equivalents in other brands besides Valspar? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Valspar match for Soft Focus (PPU12-11) is Hazy Stratus (VR084D) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Hazy Stratus is the closest Valspar 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. Soft Focus is a Behr color with cool neutral gray undertones and an LRV of 62. Hazy Stratus is a Valspar color with cool light gray undertones and an LRV of 62. 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 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.