Tricorn Black → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Tricorn Black
If you love Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black 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.
Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is a dark black with true neutral black undertones. About as close to a true, pure black as Sherwin Williams offers. No visible blue, brown, or green undertone. Just black. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 3) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Tricorn Black 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 4.9, which is a "good match" level match. Thunderstorm is the closest PPG option at LRV 12. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
PPG Matches for Tricorn Black
Thunderstorm is the closest PPG option at LRV 12. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison.
| Tricorn Black | Thunderstorm | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 3 | 12 |
| Hex | #2F2F2F | #716F6B |
| Undertone | True Neutral Black | Warm Dark Charcoal |
| Family | Black | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Tricorn Black has true neutral black undertones. About as close to a true, pure black as Sherwin Williams offers. No visible blue, brown, or green undertone. Just black.
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. Tricorn Black's true neutral black 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
Tricorn Black in Your Room
Reads as a true black in all conditions. In very bright direct light, you might detect the faintest warm lean, but functionally this is a neutral black.
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
Tricorn Black has an LRV of 3, while Thunderstorm has an LRV of 12. That means Thunderstorm reflects more light. If you switch from Tricorn Black to Thunderstorm, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Tricorn Black
Sherwin Williams recommends Tricorn Black for: front door, accent wall, exterior trim, shutters, statement furniture. With an LRV of 3, 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. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Thunderstorm in the same rooms you planned for Tricorn Black.
Tricorn Black in Other Brands
Looking for Tricorn Black equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is Thunderstorm (PPG1010-6) with a Delta E of 4.9, which rates as a "good match" match. Thunderstorm is the closest PPG option at LRV 12. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. 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. Tricorn Black is a Sherwin Williams color with true neutral black undertones and an LRV of 3. Thunderstorm is a PPG color with warm dark charcoal undertones and an LRV of 12. With a Delta E of 4.9, 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 4.9, 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.