Distant Gray → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Benjamin Moore Distant Gray (OC-68), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Distant Gray
If you love Benjamin Moore Distant 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.
Distant Gray (OC-68) is a light gray with cool light gray undertones. An ultra-light cool gray. Almost white with gray depth. Modern and clean. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 76.31) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Distant 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 Thin Ice (PPG1001-3) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Thin Ice is the closest PPG option at LRV 64. 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 Distant Gray
Thin Ice is the closest PPG option at LRV 64. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison.
| Distant Gray | Thin Ice | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 76.31 | 64 |
| Hex | #E4E2DC | #D4D4D1 |
| Undertone | Cool Light Gray | Cool Light Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Distant Gray has cool light gray undertones. An ultra-light cool gray. Almost white with gray depth. Modern and clean.
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
Distant Gray in Your Room
In bright rooms, nearly white. In dim rooms, the gray adds soft depth.
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
Distant Gray has an LRV of 76.31, while Thin Ice has an LRV of 64. That means Distant Gray reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Distant Gray will make the space feel brighter and more open than Thin Ice. If you are switching to the PPG option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.
Best Rooms for Distant Gray
Benjamin Moore recommends Distant Gray for: whole house, hallway, bathroom, bedroom, living room. With an LRV of 76.31, this is a 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.
Thin Ice is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, hallway, whole house, 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.
Distant Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Distant Gray equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Distant Gray (OC-68) is Thin Ice (PPG1001-3) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Thin Ice is the closest PPG option at LRV 64. 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. Distant Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with cool light gray undertones and an LRV of 76.31. Thin Ice is a PPG color with cool light gray undertones and an LRV of 64. With a Delta E of 3.8, 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 3.8, 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.