Montpelier → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Benjamin Moore Montpelier (HC-159), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Montpelier
If you love Benjamin Moore Montpelier 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.
Montpelier (HC-159) is a medium-dark gray with warm sage-gray undertones. A dark, warm gray with green undertones from the Historical Collection. Named for Thomas Jefferson's estate, it carries the same dignified, earthy sophistication. Darker than Chelsea Gray. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 20.18) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Montpelier 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 good news: there is a strong PPG match for Montpelier. Flintstone (PPG0997-5) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Flintstone is the closest PPG option at LRV 20. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Montpelier
Flintstone is the closest PPG option at LRV 20. Very close match.
| Montpelier | Flintstone | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 20.18 | 20 |
| Hex | #918E86 | #928F8A |
| Undertone | Warm Sage-Gray | Warm Flint Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Montpelier has warm sage-gray undertones. A dark, warm gray with green undertones from the Historical Collection. Named for Thomas Jefferson's estate, it carries the same dignified, earthy sophistication. Darker than Chelsea Gray.
Flintstone has warm flint gray undertones. A warm, dark gray with the strike-ready quality of flintstone. Deeper than Dover Gray, lighter than Sharkskin. Grounding and purposeful.
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. Montpelier's warm sage-gray quality may read differently than Flintstone's warm flint gray 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
Montpelier in Your Room
In bright light, the sage-green quality is visible and distinctive. In dim rooms, it reads as a rich, warm dark gray. The warm green keeps it organic and alive, even at this depth.
Flintstone in Your Room
Warm and substantial. In bright rooms, a warm dark gray. In dim rooms, approaching charcoal.
LRV and Brightness
Montpelier has an LRV of 20.18, while Flintstone has an LRV of 20. 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 Montpelier
Benjamin Moore recommends Montpelier for: exterior, accent wall, office, kitchen cabinets, front door. With an LRV of 20.18, this is a medium-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.
Flintstone is recommended for: accent wall, exterior, cabinets, office, bathroom vanity. 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.
Montpelier in Other Brands
Looking for Montpelier equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Montpelier (HC-159) is Flintstone (PPG0997-5) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Flintstone is the closest PPG option at LRV 20. 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. Montpelier is a Benjamin Moore color with warm sage-gray undertones and an LRV of 20.18. Flintstone is a PPG color with warm flint gray undertones and an LRV of 20. 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 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.