Finding a Behr Equivalent for Gothic Arch

If you love PPG Gothic Arch but need a Behr 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 Behr, your local store does not carry PPG, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.

Gothic Arch (PPG1025-7) is a dark taupe with warm deep taupe undertones. A deep, warm taupe named for medieval architectural arches. Rich and earthy, with the gravitas of ancient stone. PPG's darkest warm neutral for bold accent applications. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 18) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.

We calculated the perceptual color distance between Gothic Arch and every Behr 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 Behr option is Armadillo (PPU5-02) with a Delta E of 3.7, which is a "good match" level match. Armadillo is the closest Behr option. Similar character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.

Behr Matches for Gothic Arch

Armadillo PPU5-02
Good match · ΔE 3.7

Armadillo is the closest Behr option. Similar character.

Gothic ArchArmadillo
LRV1817
Hex#90877D#8C8276
UndertoneWarm Deep TaupeWarm Earthy Brown
FamilyTaupeBrown

Undertone Comparison

Gothic Arch has warm deep taupe undertones. A deep, warm taupe named for medieval architectural arches. Rich and earthy, with the gravitas of ancient stone. PPG's darkest warm neutral for bold accent applications.

Armadillo has warm earthy brown undertones. A warm, earthy brown-gray. Named for the armored animal, it carries a tough, natural quality. Deeper than Hazelwood.

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

Gothic Arch in Your Room

In bright light, the warm taupe is rich and visible. In dim rooms, it reads as a warm, dark charcoal. The warmth keeps it from feeling cold even at this depth.

Armadillo in Your Room

Warm and earthy. In bright rooms, the warm brown shows. In dim rooms, a warm dark neutral.

LRV and Brightness

Gothic Arch has an LRV of 18, while Armadillo has an LRV of 17. 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 Gothic Arch

PPG recommends Gothic Arch for: accent wall, exterior, office, dining room, front door. With an LRV of 18, this is a 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.

Armadillo is recommended for: accent wall, exterior, office, dining room, kitchen cabinets. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Armadillo in the same rooms you planned for Gothic Arch.

Gothic Arch in Other Brands

Looking for Gothic Arch equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest Behr match for Gothic Arch (PPG1025-7) is Armadillo (PPU5-02) with a Delta E of 3.7, which rates as a "good match" match. Armadillo is the closest Behr option. Similar character. 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. Gothic Arch is a PPG color with warm deep taupe undertones and an LRV of 18. Armadillo is a Behr color with warm earthy brown undertones and an LRV of 17. 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 Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr 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.