Paper White → Valspar
The closest Valspar matches for Benjamin Moore Paper White (OC-55), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Valspar Equivalent for Paper White
If you love Benjamin Moore Paper White 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 Benjamin Moore, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Paper White (OC-55) is a light gray with cool gray-white undertones. An ultra-light gray that reads almost white. Cooler and grayer than Horizon. A modern, crisp off-white. To find a good Valspar match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 75.07) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Paper White 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 results are decent but not perfect. The closest Valspar option is Seashell Gray (VR082F) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Seashell Gray is the closest Valspar option at LRV 63. 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.
Valspar Matches for Paper White
Seashell Gray is the closest Valspar option at LRV 63. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison.
| Paper White | Seashell Gray | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 75.07 | 63 |
| Hex | #E3E1DC | #D2D0CB |
| Undertone | Cool Gray-White | Cool Light Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Paper White has cool gray-white undertones. An ultra-light gray that reads almost white. Cooler and grayer than Horizon. A modern, crisp off-white.
Seashell Gray has cool light gray undertones. A cool, clean light gray with the soft quality of a seashell interior. Neutral and modern.
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
Paper White in Your Room
In bright rooms, nearly white with the faintest gray depth. In dim rooms, the gray is slightly more apparent.
Seashell Gray in Your Room
Neutral and clean. Reads as a cool light gray in all conditions.
LRV and Brightness
Paper White has an LRV of 75.07, while Seashell Gray has an LRV of 63. That means Paper White reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Paper White will make the space feel brighter and more open than Seashell Gray. If you are switching to the Valspar option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.
Best Rooms for Paper White
Benjamin Moore recommends Paper White for: whole house, bathroom, hallway, bedroom, living room. With an LRV of 75.07, 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.
Seashell Gray 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.
Paper White in Other Brands
Looking for Paper White equivalents in other brands besides Valspar? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Valspar match for Paper White (OC-55) is Seashell Gray (VR082F) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Seashell Gray is the closest Valspar option at LRV 63. 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. Paper White is a Benjamin Moore color with cool gray-white undertones and an LRV of 75.07. Seashell Gray is a Valspar color with cool light gray undertones and an LRV of 63. 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 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.