Dovetail → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Sherwin Williams Dovetail (SW 7018), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Dovetail
If you love Sherwin Williams Dovetail 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.
Dovetail (SW 7018) is a medium-dark gray with warm gray undertones. A warm, medium-dark gray with subtle beige undertones. Named for the woodworking joint, it carries a crafted, artisanal quality. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 26) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Dovetail 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 Gray Stone (PPG0997-6) with a Delta E of 4.2, which is a "good match" level match. Gray Stone is a solid match at similar depth. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
PPG Matches for Dovetail
Gray Stone is a solid match at similar depth.
| Dovetail | Gray Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 26 | 26 |
| Hex | #9D9A94 | #9D9B97 |
| Undertone | Warm Gray | Warm Medium-Dark Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Dovetail has warm gray undertones. A warm, medium-dark gray with subtle beige undertones. Named for the woodworking joint, it carries a crafted, artisanal quality.
Gray Stone has warm medium-dark gray undertones. A warm, medium-dark gray with stone-like undertones. Deeper than Cool Concrete, with the warm, organic quality of natural stone. PPG's go-to for substantial accent 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
Dovetail in Your Room
Warm and substantial. Reads as a warm medium-dark gray in most conditions.
Gray Stone in Your Room
The stone warmth is consistent. In bright rooms, the warm gray is grounding and sophisticated. In dim rooms, it deepens into a rich, warm dark neutral.
LRV and Brightness
Dovetail has an LRV of 26, while Gray Stone has an LRV of 26. 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 Dovetail
Sherwin Williams recommends Dovetail for: accent wall, exterior, cabinets, office, dining room. With an LRV of 26, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Gray Stone is recommended for: accent wall, exterior, office, cabinets, bathroom vanity. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Gray Stone in the same rooms you planned for Dovetail.
Dovetail in Other Brands
Looking for Dovetail equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Dovetail (SW 7018) is Gray Stone (PPG0997-6) with a Delta E of 4.2, which rates as a "good match" match. Gray Stone is a solid match at similar depth. 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. Dovetail is a Sherwin Williams color with warm gray undertones and an LRV of 26. Gray Stone is a PPG color with warm medium-dark gray undertones and an LRV of 26. With a Delta E of 4.2, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. 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 4.2, 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 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.