Anthracite → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Sherwin Williams Anthracite (SW 6234), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Anthracite
If you love Sherwin Williams Anthracite 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 Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Anthracite (SW 6234) is a dark gray with cool dark charcoal undertones. A dark, neutral charcoal. Between Iron Ore and Tricorn Black in depth. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 8) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Anthracite 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 Thunderstorm (PPG1010-6) with a Delta E of 2.6, which is a "good match" level match. Thunderstorm is the closest PPG option at LRV 12. Very close match. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
PPG Matches for Anthracite
Thunderstorm is the closest PPG option at LRV 12. Very close match.
| Anthracite | Thunderstorm | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 8 | 12 |
| Hex | #595B5A | #716F6B |
| Undertone | Cool Dark Charcoal | Warm Dark Charcoal |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Anthracite has cool dark charcoal undertones. A dark, neutral charcoal. Between Iron Ore and Tricorn Black in depth.
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.
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. Anthracite's cool dark charcoal quality may read differently than Thunderstorm's warm dark charcoal 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
Anthracite in Your Room
A solid dark charcoal. Neutral without strong warm or cool lean.
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.
LRV and Brightness
Anthracite has an LRV of 8, while Thunderstorm 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 Anthracite
Sherwin Williams recommends Anthracite for: accent wall, front door, exterior trim, shutters. With an LRV of 8, 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.
Thunderstorm is recommended for: front door, accent wall, exterior trim, shutters, cabinets. 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.
Anthracite in Other Brands
Looking for Anthracite equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Anthracite (SW 6234) is Thunderstorm (PPG1010-6) with a Delta E of 2.6, which rates as a "good match" match. Thunderstorm is the closest PPG option at LRV 12. 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. Anthracite is a Sherwin Williams color with cool dark charcoal undertones and an LRV of 8. Thunderstorm is a PPG color with warm dark charcoal undertones and an LRV of 12. With a Delta E of 2.6, 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 2.6, 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.