Cathedral Stone → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Valspar Cathedral Stone (VR082C), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Cathedral Stone
If you love Valspar Cathedral Stone 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 Valspar, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Cathedral Stone (VR082C) is a medium-dark gray with warm dark gray undertones. A warm, dark gray with stone-like undertones. Substantial and grounding, like the weathered stone of an old cathedral. More warm and earthy than a cool charcoal. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 25) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Cathedral Stone 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 Cathedral Stone. Gray Stone (PPG0999-4) comes in with a Delta E of 2.2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Gray Stone is the closest PPG option. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Cathedral Stone
Gray Stone is the closest PPG option. Very close match.
| Cathedral Stone | Gray Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 25 | 26 |
| Hex | #9D9993 | #9D9B97 |
| Undertone | Warm Dark Gray | Warm Medium-Dark Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Cathedral Stone has warm dark gray undertones. A warm, dark gray with stone-like undertones. Substantial and grounding, like the weathered stone of an old cathedral. More warm and earthy than a cool charcoal.
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
Cathedral Stone in Your Room
In bright light, the warm stone quality is visible. In dim rooms, it reads as a rich, warm dark gray. The warmth keeps it from feeling cold or industrial.
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
Cathedral Stone has an LRV of 25, 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 Cathedral Stone
Valspar recommends Cathedral Stone for: accent wall, exterior, office, cabinets, front door. With an LRV of 25, 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 Cathedral Stone.
Cathedral Stone in Other Brands
Looking for Cathedral Stone equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Cathedral Stone (VR082C) is Gray Stone (PPG0999-4) with a Delta E of 2.2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Gray Stone is the closest PPG option. 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. Cathedral Stone is a Valspar color with warm dark gray undertones and an LRV of 25. Gray Stone is a PPG color with warm medium-dark gray undertones and an LRV of 26. With a Delta E of 2.2, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. 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 2.2, 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.