Downy → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Sherwin Williams Downy (SW 7002), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Downy
If you love Sherwin Williams Downy 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.
Downy (SW 7002) is a light off-white with warm soft cream undertones. A warm, soft off-white. Gentler than Alabaster. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 78) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Downy 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 good news: there is a strong PPG match for Downy. Gypsum (PPG1025-2) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Gypsum is the closest PPG option at LRV 78. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Downy
Gypsum is the closest PPG option at LRV 78. Very close match.
| Downy | Gypsum | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 78 | 78 |
| Hex | #E6E2DA | #E8E2D6 |
| Undertone | Warm Soft Cream | Warm Cream |
| Family | Off-White | Off-White |
Undertone Comparison
Downy has warm soft cream undertones. A warm, soft off-white. Gentler than Alabaster.
Gypsum has warm cream undertones. A warm, creamy off-white with organic undertones. PPG's answer to the warm white trend. Named for the natural mineral, it captures that earthy, unprocessed quality that makes warm whites feel more natural than clinical.
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
Downy in Your Room
Warm and soft. A whisper of cream.
Gypsum in Your Room
Warm and inviting in all rooms. The cream undertone is gentle and never overwhelming. In bright rooms, it reads as a warm white. In dim rooms, the cream provides cozy warmth.
LRV and Brightness
Downy has an LRV of 78, while Gypsum has an LRV of 78. 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 Downy
Sherwin Williams recommends Downy for: whole house, bedroom, hallway, bathroom. With an LRV of 78, this is a light color that reflects a lot of light and works well in any room, including smaller spaces where you want to maintain a bright, open feel. It is light enough for whole-house use without making rooms feel washed out or sterile.
Gypsum is recommended for: whole house, living room, bedroom, trim, hallway. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Gypsum in the same rooms you planned for Downy.
Downy in Other Brands
Looking for Downy equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Downy (SW 7002) is Gypsum (PPG1025-2) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Gypsum is the closest PPG option at LRV 78. 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. Downy is a Sherwin Williams color with warm soft cream undertones and an LRV of 78. Gypsum is a PPG color with warm cream undertones and an LRV of 78. 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 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.