Thunderstorm → Behr
The closest Behr matches for PPG Thunderstorm (PPG1010-6), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Thunderstorm
If you love PPG Thunderstorm 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.
Thunderstorm (PPG1010-6) is a dark gray with warm dark charcoal undertones. A dark, warm charcoal with brown undertones. Dramatic without being black. PPG's bold accent color for front doors, accent walls, and exterior features. The warm brown keeps it from feeling stark or lifeless. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 12) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Thunderstorm 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 good news: there is a strong Behr match for Thunderstorm. Dark Granite (PPU18-03) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Dark Granite is the closest Behr option. Very close match.
Behr Matches for Thunderstorm
Dark Granite is the closest Behr option. Very close match.
| Thunderstorm | Dark Granite | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 12 | 12 |
| Hex | #716F6B | #716E6A |
| Undertone | Warm Dark Charcoal | Warm Dark Granite |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Thunderstorm has warm dark charcoal undertones. A dark, warm charcoal with brown undertones. Dramatic without being black. PPG's bold accent color for front doors, accent walls, and exterior features. The warm brown keeps it from feeling stark or lifeless.
Dark Granite has warm dark granite undertones. A warm, dark gray with granite-like undertones. Darker than Off Broadway, lighter than Underground. The warm brown keeps it earthy.
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
Thunderstorm in Your Room
In bright light, the warm brown undertone shows through. In dim rooms, it reads as a rich, near-black charcoal. The warmth gives it life that a true black cannot provide.
Dark Granite in Your Room
In bright rooms, a warm dark gray. In dim rooms, approaches charcoal. The warm brown gives it character.
LRV and Brightness
Thunderstorm has an LRV of 12, while Dark Granite has an LRV of 12. 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 Thunderstorm
PPG recommends Thunderstorm for: front door, accent wall, exterior trim, shutters, cabinets. With an LRV of 12, 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.
Dark Granite is recommended for: accent wall, exterior, cabinets, front door, office. 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.
Thunderstorm in Other Brands
Looking for Thunderstorm equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Thunderstorm (PPG1010-6) is Dark Granite (PPU18-03) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Dark Granite is the closest Behr 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. Thunderstorm is a PPG color with warm dark charcoal undertones and an LRV of 12. Dark Granite is a Behr color with warm dark granite undertones and an LRV of 12. With a Delta E of 2, these are extremely close and most people will not spot the difference on a wall. 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, 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 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.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.