Boothbay Gray → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Boothbay Gray
If you love Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray 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 Benjamin Moore, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Boothbay Gray (HC-165) is a medium-dark blue with soft blue-gray undertones. A soft, coastal blue-gray from the Historical Collection. Named for the Maine harbor town. Lighter and more approachable than Van Deusen Blue, with a nautical charm that works in both coastal and contemporary homes. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 34.54) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Boothbay Gray 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 Dusty Miller Alt 2 (PPG1133-4) with a Delta E of 3.6, which is a "good match" level match. Dusty Miller Alt 2 is the closest PPG option at LRV 35. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
PPG Matches for Boothbay Gray
Dusty Miller Alt 2 is the closest PPG option at LRV 35. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison.
| Boothbay Gray | Dusty Miller Alt 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 34.54 | 35 |
| Hex | #ACB7B8 | #ABB4A8 |
| Undertone | Soft Blue-Gray | Soft Willow Green |
| Family | Blue | Green |
Undertone Comparison
Boothbay Gray has soft blue-gray undertones. A soft, coastal blue-gray from the Historical Collection. Named for the Maine harbor town. Lighter and more approachable than Van Deusen Blue, with a nautical charm that works in both coastal and contemporary homes.
Dusty Miller Alt 2 has soft willow green undertones. A soft green named for the graceful willow tree. Between Olive Sprig and Dusty Miller in depth. Calming and organic.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Boothbay Gray's soft blue-gray quality may read differently than Dusty Miller Alt 2's soft willow green character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Boothbay Gray in Your Room
In bright light, the blue is soft and present. In dim rooms, the gray calms it into a sophisticated neutral. The coastal quality makes it feel fresh and relaxed in any setting.
Dusty Miller Alt 2 in Your Room
The green is soft and organic. In bright rooms, a gentle sage. In dim rooms, a warm green-gray.
LRV and Brightness
Boothbay Gray has an LRV of 34.54, while Dusty Miller Alt 2 has an LRV of 35. 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 Boothbay Gray
Benjamin Moore recommends Boothbay Gray for: bedroom, bathroom, living room, hallway, kitchen. With an LRV of 34.54, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Dusty Miller Alt 2 is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, exterior. 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.
Boothbay Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Boothbay Gray equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Boothbay Gray (HC-165) is Dusty Miller Alt 2 (PPG1133-4) with a Delta E of 3.6, which rates as a "good match" match. Dusty Miller Alt 2 is the closest PPG option at LRV 35. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. 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. Boothbay Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with soft blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 34.54. Dusty Miller Alt 2 is a PPG color with soft willow green undertones and an LRV of 35. With a Delta E of 3.6, 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 3.6, 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.