Thunder → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Benjamin Moore Thunder (2124-40), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Thunder
If you love Benjamin Moore Thunder 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.
Thunder (2124-40) is a medium-dark gray with cool green-gray undertones. A cool mid-tone gray with subtle green undertones. Named for the approaching storm. Substantial without being dark. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 30.88) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Thunder 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 Gray Beige (PPG1024-5) with a Delta E of 3.7, which is a "good match" level match. Gray Beige is the closest PPG option at LRV 32. 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 Thunder
Gray Beige is the closest PPG option at LRV 32. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison.
| Thunder | Gray Beige | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 30.88 | 32 |
| Hex | #A8A9A4 | #AAA398 |
| Undertone | Cool Green-Gray | Warm Deep Greige |
| Family | Gray | Greige |
Undertone Comparison
Thunder has cool green-gray undertones. A cool mid-tone gray with subtle green undertones. Named for the approaching storm. Substantial without being dark.
Gray Beige has warm deep greige undertones. A warm, deep greige with earthy undertones. PPG's answer to the medium-depth greige trend. More substantial than Transcend, with grounding warmth that makes rooms feel anchored.
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. Thunder's cool green-gray quality may read differently than Gray Beige's warm deep greige 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
Thunder in Your Room
The green is subtle. Reads as a cool, clean mid-tone gray in most conditions.
Gray Beige in Your Room
The warm greige is rich and grounding. In bright rooms, it reads as a warm, earthy neutral. In dim rooms, the depth provides cozy intimacy.
LRV and Brightness
Thunder has an LRV of 30.88, while Gray Beige has an LRV of 32. 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 Thunder
Benjamin Moore recommends Thunder for: bathroom, bedroom, office, hallway, living room. With an LRV of 30.88, 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.
Gray Beige is recommended for: living room, dining room, accent wall, office, 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.
Thunder in Other Brands
Looking for Thunder equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Thunder (2124-40) is Gray Beige (PPG1024-5) with a Delta E of 3.7, which rates as a "good match" match. Gray Beige is the closest PPG option at LRV 32. 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. Thunder is a Benjamin Moore color with cool green-gray undertones and an LRV of 30.88. Gray Beige is a PPG color with warm deep greige undertones and an LRV of 32. With a Delta E of 3.7, 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 3.7, 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.