Plummett → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Farrow & Ball Plummett (No.272), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Plummett
If you love Farrow & Ball Plummett 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 Farrow & Ball, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Plummett (No.272) is a medium-dark gray with cool neutral gray undertones. A cool, balanced mid-dark gray. One of the most truly neutral grays in the F&B range. Named for the plumb line used in construction. Straight, true, and honest, just like the color. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 24) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Plummett 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 Plummett. Dusty Aqua Alt (PPG1035-5) comes in with a Delta E of 2.3, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Dusty Aqua Alt is the closest PPG option. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Plummett
Dusty Aqua Alt is the closest PPG option. Very close match.
| Plummett | Dusty Aqua Alt | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 24 | 22 |
| Hex | #999996 | #92928F |
| Undertone | Cool Neutral Gray | Cool Dark Neutral |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Plummett has cool neutral gray undertones. A cool, balanced mid-dark gray. One of the most truly neutral grays in the F&B range. Named for the plumb line used in construction. Straight, true, and honest, just like the color.
Dusty Aqua Alt has cool dark neutral undertones. A cool, dark neutral gray named for the famous Pittsburgh defensive line. Tough, solid, and reliable. One of PPG's most balanced dark grays.
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
Plummett in Your Room
Stays remarkably neutral in all conditions. The most predictable gray in the F&B range. Does not pull warm, cool, blue, green, or purple. Under all light sources, it simply reads as gray.
Dusty Aqua Alt in Your Room
Neutral and solid. In bright rooms, a clean dark gray. In dim rooms, approaches a sophisticated medium-dark charcoal. Does not pull warm or cool.
LRV and Brightness
Plummett has an LRV of 24, while Dusty Aqua Alt has an LRV of 22. 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 Plummett
Farrow & Ball recommends Plummett for: bathroom, bedroom, office, hallway, accent wall. With an LRV of 24, 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.
Dusty Aqua Alt is recommended for: accent wall, exterior, office, cabinets, 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.
Plummett in Other Brands
Looking for Plummett equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Plummett (No.272) is Dusty Aqua Alt (PPG1035-5) with a Delta E of 2.3, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Dusty Aqua Alt is the closest PPG option. 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. Plummett is a Farrow & Ball color with cool neutral gray undertones and an LRV of 24. Dusty Aqua Alt is a PPG color with cool dark neutral undertones and an LRV of 22. With a Delta E of 2.3, 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 2.3, 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.