Finding a Behr Equivalent for Black

If you love Benjamin Moore Black but need a Behr 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 Behr, your local store does not carry Benjamin Moore, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.

Black (2132-10) is a dark black with true neutral undertones. BM's truest black. No visible undertone, just deep, pure black. When you want black and nothing but black. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 3.44) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.

We calculated the perceptual color distance between Black and every Behr 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.

Honestly, Behr does not have a perfect equivalent for Black. The closest option is Ultra Pure White (PPU18-06) with a Delta E of 40, but at that distance the difference will be visible. No dark Behr match in current database. If getting this exact color is critical, you may want to explore custom color matching at a Behr store.

Behr Matches for Black

Ultra Pure White PPU18-06
No good match · ΔE 40

No dark Behr match in current database.

BlackUltra Pure White
LRV3.4494
Hex#353535#F7F7F5
UndertoneTrue NeutralTrue Neutral
FamilyBlackWhite

Undertone Comparison

Black has true neutral undertones. BM's truest black. No visible undertone, just deep, pure black. When you want black and nothing but black.

Ultra Pure White has true neutral undertones. Behr's cleanest, purest white. About as close to a true white as you'll find in any brand. No noticeable undertone.

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

Black in Your Room

Reads as a true black in all conditions. In very bright direct light, it simply looks like a deep, dark surface. No surprises.

Ultra Pure White in Your Room

Stays white in every lighting condition. The benchmark white that other whites are compared against.

LRV and Brightness

Black has an LRV of 3.44, while Ultra Pure White has an LRV of 94. That means Ultra Pure White reflects more light. If you switch from Black to Ultra Pure White, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.

Best Rooms for Black

Benjamin Moore recommends Black for: front door, accent wall, shutters, trim detail, statement furniture. With an LRV of 3.44, this is a dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.

Ultra Pure White is recommended for: trim, ceilings, cabinets, modern interiors, bathroom. 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.

Black in Other Brands

Looking for Black equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest Behr match for Black (2132-10) is Ultra Pure White (PPU18-06) with a Delta E of 40, which rates as a "no good match" match. No dark Behr match in current database. 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. Black is a Benjamin Moore color with true neutral undertones and an LRV of 3.44. Ultra Pure White is a Behr color with true neutral undertones and an LRV of 94. With a Delta E of 40, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. 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 40, 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 Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr 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.