Finding a PPG Equivalent for Rockport Gray

If you love Benjamin Moore Rockport 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.

Rockport Gray (HC-105) is a medium-dark gray with warm green-gray undertones. A classic medium gray from the Historical Collection. Warm green undertones give it an organic quality. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 29.77) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.

We calculated the perceptual color distance between Rockport 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 Ash (PPG1025-6) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Ash is the closest PPG option at LRV 28. 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 Rockport Gray

Ash PPG1025-6
Good match · ΔE 3.8

Ash is the closest PPG option at LRV 28. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison.

Rockport GrayAsh
LRV29.7728
Hex#A3A199#A29B92
UndertoneWarm Green-GrayWarm Ash-Taupe
FamilyGrayTaupe

Undertone Comparison

Rockport Gray has warm green-gray undertones. A classic medium gray from the Historical Collection. Warm green undertones give it an organic quality.

Ash has warm ash-taupe undertones. A warm, earthy taupe with ash-like undertones. Deeper than Transcend, with the muted quality of cold fireplace ash. Sophisticated and grounding. PPG's strongest dark neutral option for interiors.

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. Rockport Gray's warm green-gray quality may read differently than Ash's warm ash-taupe 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

Rockport Gray in Your Room

The green is subtle. Reads as a warm, solid mid-tone gray in most conditions.

Ash in Your Room

In bright light, the warm taupe character is visible. In dim rooms, it reads as a warm, substantial dark neutral. The ash quality gives it an organic, lived-in feel.

LRV and Brightness

Rockport Gray has an LRV of 29.77, while Ash has an LRV of 28. 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 Rockport Gray

Benjamin Moore recommends Rockport Gray for: exterior, living room, bedroom, office, accent wall. With an LRV of 29.77, 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.

Ash is recommended for: accent wall, exterior, office, dining room, bedroom. 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.

Rockport Gray in Other Brands

Looking for Rockport Gray equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest PPG match for Rockport Gray (HC-105) is Ash (PPG1025-6) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Ash is the closest PPG option at LRV 28. 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. Rockport Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with warm green-gray undertones and an LRV of 29.77. Ash is a PPG color with warm ash-taupe undertones and an LRV of 28. 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.

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.