Sharkskin (PPG1036-5)
A cool, dark neutral gray with the tough, textured quality of sharkskin. PPG's most popular cool dark gray for accent and exterior applications.
About PPG Sharkskin
Sharkskin (PPG1036-5) is a gray from PPG's collection with an LRV of 18 and cool dark gray undertones. A cool, dark neutral gray with the tough, textured quality of sharkskin. PPG's most popular cool dark gray for accent and exterior applications.
At an LRV of just 18, Sharkskin is a dark, dramatic color that absorbs most of the light that hits it. This makes it perfect for creating bold, moody statements on accent walls, front doors, shutters, and exterior trim. It commands attention and creates a striking contrast with white or light-colored trim. Use it where you want real visual impact. In full room applications, generous lighting and light-colored furnishings prevent the space from feeling oppressive.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
Sharkskin has an LRV of 18, placing it in the dark range on the 0-to-100 scale. LRV measures the percentage of visible light a color reflects. A pure black has an LRV of 0 and a pure white has an LRV of 100. Understanding a color's LRV helps you predict how it will feel in your space: higher LRV means brighter and more spacious, lower LRV means cozier and more intimate.
Undertone Analysis
Sharkskin has cool dark gray undertones. Undertones are the subtle background colors that become visible in different lighting conditions. Even colors that look "neutral" in the store will reveal their undertones once they are on your walls and interacting with natural light, artificial light, and the colors around them.
A cool, dark neutral gray with the tough, textured quality of sharkskin. PPG's most popular cool dark gray for accent and exterior applications. Cool undertones like these pair naturally with other cool elements: gray-toned wood, chrome and silver hardware, white marble, and cool-toned textiles. They can feel disconnected from strongly warm elements like honey oak or brass, so consider your existing finishes before committing.
Lighting Behavior
Cool and clean at a dark depth. In bright rooms, a definite cool gray. In dim rooms, a sophisticated dark neutral.
Every paint color looks different depending on the light source in your room. South-facing rooms get warm, direct sunlight that brings out yellow and warm undertones. North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light that emphasizes blue and gray undertones. East-facing rooms are bright and warm in the morning, cooler in the afternoon. West-facing rooms are the opposite: cool morning, warm afternoon. Incandescent and warm LED bulbs push colors warmer, while cool-white LEDs and fluorescent tubes push colors cooler. To avoid surprises, always test Sharkskin with a physical sample on your actual wall, and observe it at different times of day before committing.
Best Rooms for Sharkskin
PPG recommends Sharkskin for: accent wall, exterior, cabinets, front door, office.
On kitchen and bathroom cabinets, Sharkskin offers a fresh, clean look. Cabinet colors are seen up close and under task lighting, so the undertones matter even more than on walls. On an accent wall, Sharkskin creates a focal point that draws the eye and adds visual depth to the room. Pair it with a lighter color on the remaining walls for the best contrast. On a front door, Sharkskin makes a strong first impression. Front door colors are seen in full outdoor light, so choose a finish with some sheen (satin or semi-gloss) for durability and visual impact.
Closest Matches in Other Brands
Find the closest equivalent to PPG Sharkskin from other paint brands. Matches are calculated using Delta E (CIE2000), the industry standard for measuring perceptual color difference.
Benjamin Moore Matches
Deep Silver is greener. Sharkskin is more neutral.
View all Benjamin Moore matches →Sherwin Williams Matches
Anonymous is warmer. Sharkskin is cooler.
View all Sherwin Williams matches →Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Sherwin Williams match for PPG Sharkskin is Anonymous Sw (SW 7046) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Anonymous is warmer. Sharkskin is cooler. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart, while 2 to 4 means the difference is subtle.
Sharkskin has cool dark gray undertones. A cool, dark neutral gray with the tough, textured quality of sharkskin. PPG's most popular cool dark gray for accent and exterior applications. Undertones become most visible when the color is on a large surface like a wall, and they shift depending on the light source in your room. Always test with a physical sample in your specific space to see how the undertones interact with your lighting, flooring, and furnishings.
Sharkskin (PPG1036-5) has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 18, which puts it in the dark range. LRV measures the percentage of light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white). At 18, this is a darker color that creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Pair it with bright white trim for the best contrast.
Sharkskin leans cool. The cool dark gray undertones give it a crisp, fresh quality. It pairs well with chrome, silver, cool-toned wood, and white marble. In south-facing rooms with warm light, the cool undertones help keep the color from feeling too warm.
Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.