Finding a PPG Equivalent for Gravity Dark

If you love Valspar Gravity Dark 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.

Gravity Dark (VR093A) is a dark green with dark moss green undertones. A dark, mossy green. Valspar's deepest sage. Earthy and dramatic, like a forest floor carpeted in moss. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 14) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.

We calculated the perceptual color distance between Gravity Dark 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 Elf (PPG1131-5) with a Delta E of 3.7, which is a "good match" level match. Elf is the closest PPG option. Similar character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.

PPG Matches for Gravity Dark

Elf PPG1131-5
Good match · ΔE 3.7

Elf is the closest PPG option. Similar character.

Gravity DarkElf
LRV1425
Hex#747E72#99A698
UndertoneDark Moss GreenMedium Sage
FamilyGreenGreen

Undertone Comparison

Gravity Dark has dark moss green undertones. A dark, mossy green. Valspar's deepest sage. Earthy and dramatic, like a forest floor carpeted in moss.

Elf has medium sage undertones. A medium sage green named for its earthy, natural quality. PPG's answer to the medium sage trend.

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

Gravity Dark in Your Room

In bright rooms, the moss-green is visible and organic. In dim rooms, a dark, moody gray-green.

Elf in Your Room

In bright rooms, a definite sage. In dim rooms, a warm gray-green.

LRV and Brightness

Gravity Dark has an LRV of 14, while Elf has an LRV of 25. That means Elf reflects more light. If you switch from Gravity Dark to Elf, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.

Best Rooms for Gravity Dark

Valspar recommends Gravity Dark for: accent wall, exterior, kitchen cabinets, front door, powder room. With an LRV of 14, 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.

Elf is recommended for: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, exterior, living room. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.

Gravity Dark in Other Brands

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest PPG match for Gravity Dark (VR093A) is Elf (PPG1131-5) with a Delta E of 3.7, which rates as a "good match" match. Elf is the closest PPG option. Similar character. 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. Gravity Dark is a Valspar color with dark moss green undertones and an LRV of 14. Elf is a PPG color with medium sage undertones and an LRV of 25. With a Delta E of 3.7, 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 3.7, 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.

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.