Network Gray → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Sherwin Williams Network Gray (SW 7073), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Network Gray
If you love Sherwin Williams Network 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.
Network Gray (SW 7073) is a medium-dark gray with warm dark gray undertones. A warm, dark gray. Deeper than Dorian Gray, less dark than Online. Named for the connections it creates between light and dark in a room. A solid, reliable dark neutral. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 22) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Network 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 Network Gray. Dusty Aqua Alt (PPG1035-5) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Dusty Aqua Alt is the closest PPG option at LRV 22. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Network Gray
Dusty Aqua Alt is the closest PPG option at LRV 22. Very close match.
| Network Gray | Dusty Aqua Alt | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 22 | 22 |
| Hex | #94918C | #92928F |
| Undertone | Warm Dark Gray | Cool Dark Neutral |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Network Gray has warm dark gray undertones. A warm, dark gray. Deeper than Dorian Gray, less dark than Online. Named for the connections it creates between light and dark in a room. A solid, reliable dark neutral.
Dusty Aqua Alt has cool dark neutral undertones. A cool, dark neutral gray named for the famous Pittsburgh defensive line. Tough, solid, and reliable. One of PPG's most balanced dark grays.
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. Network Gray's warm dark gray quality may read differently than Dusty Aqua Alt's cool dark neutral 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
Network Gray in Your Room
Warm and grounding. In bright rooms, reads as a warm medium-dark gray. In dim rooms, the depth provides drama without oppressiveness.
Dusty Aqua Alt in Your Room
Neutral and solid. In bright rooms, a clean dark gray. In dim rooms, approaches a sophisticated medium-dark charcoal. Does not pull warm or cool.
LRV and Brightness
Network Gray has an LRV of 22, while Dusty Aqua Alt has an LRV of 22. 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 Network Gray
Sherwin Williams recommends Network Gray for: accent wall, exterior, office, cabinets, bathroom vanity. With an LRV of 22, this is a medium-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.
Dusty Aqua Alt 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 Dusty Aqua Alt in the same rooms you planned for Network Gray.
Network Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Network Gray equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Network Gray (SW 7073) is Dusty Aqua Alt (PPG1035-5) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Dusty Aqua Alt is the closest PPG option at LRV 22. 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. Network Gray is a Sherwin Williams color with warm dark gray undertones and an LRV of 22. Dusty Aqua Alt is a PPG color with cool dark neutral undertones and an LRV of 22. 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.