Finding a PPG Equivalent for Magnetic Gray

If you love Sherwin Williams Magnetic Gray 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.

Magnetic Gray (SW 7058) is a medium-dark gray with cool true gray undertones. A cool, clean mid-tone gray with minimal undertone. Named for its attractive pull. One of SW's most neutral grays. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 35) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.

We calculated the perceptual color distance between Magnetic Gray 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 Magnetic Gray. Up In Smoke (PPG0997-4) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Up In Smoke is the closest PPG option at LRV 35. Very close match.

PPG Matches for Magnetic Gray

Up In Smoke PPG0997-4
Excellent match · ΔE 2

Up In Smoke is the closest PPG option at LRV 35. Very close match.

Magnetic GrayUp In Smoke
LRV3535
Hex#ACACA9#ADABA7
UndertoneCool True GrayCool Medium Gray
FamilyGrayGray

Undertone Comparison

Magnetic Gray has cool true gray undertones. A cool, clean mid-tone gray with minimal undertone. Named for its attractive pull. One of SW's most neutral grays.

Up In Smoke has cool medium gray undertones. A cool, clean medium gray. Darker than Cool Concrete, with more presence on the wall. PPG's solid workhorse for rooms that need a definitive gray without warmth or obvious undertones.

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

Magnetic Gray in Your Room

Stays neutral. Does not pull warm, cool, pink, or green. Simply reads as gray.

Up In Smoke in Your Room

Stays neutral and clean. In bright rooms, it reads as a modern medium gray. In dim rooms, it deepens without pulling warm or cool. Predictable and reliable.

LRV and Brightness

Magnetic Gray has an LRV of 35, while Up In Smoke has an LRV of 35. 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 Magnetic Gray

Sherwin Williams recommends Magnetic Gray for: bathroom, bedroom, office, hallway, living room. With an LRV of 35, 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.

Up In Smoke is recommended for: bathroom, office, hallway, bedroom, living room. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Up In Smoke in the same rooms you planned for Magnetic Gray.

Magnetic Gray in Other Brands

Looking for Magnetic Gray equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest PPG match for Magnetic Gray (SW 7058) is Up In Smoke (PPG0997-4) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Up In Smoke is the closest PPG option at LRV 35. 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. Magnetic Gray is a Sherwin Williams color with cool true gray undertones and an LRV of 35. Up In Smoke is a PPG color with cool medium gray undertones and an LRV of 35. 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.

Colors on screen are approximations. Your monitor, lighting, and paint finish will affect how colors appear in your space. Always test with a physical paint sample before purchasing.

Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.