Woodsmoke → PPG
The closest PPG matches for Valspar Woodsmoke (VR078C), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a PPG Equivalent for Woodsmoke
If you love Valspar Woodsmoke 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.
Woodsmoke (VR078C) is a dark gray with warm smoky charcoal undertones. A warm, smoky charcoal. The color of wood smoke. Darker than Tempered Gray, with a warm, organic quality. To find a good PPG match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 12) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Woodsmoke 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 Woodsmoke. Thunderstorm (PPG1010-6) comes in with a Delta E of 2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Thunderstorm is the closest PPG option. Very close match.
PPG Matches for Woodsmoke
Thunderstorm is the closest PPG option. Very close match.
| Woodsmoke | Thunderstorm | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 12 | 12 |
| Hex | #716F6B | #716F6B |
| Undertone | Warm Smoky Charcoal | Warm Dark Charcoal |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Woodsmoke has warm smoky charcoal undertones. A warm, smoky charcoal. The color of wood smoke. Darker than Tempered Gray, with a warm, organic quality.
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.
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
Woodsmoke in Your Room
Warm and smoky. In bright rooms, the warm brown-charcoal shows. In dim rooms, approaches a warm near-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
Woodsmoke has an LRV of 12, while Thunderstorm has an LRV of 12. 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 Woodsmoke
Valspar recommends Woodsmoke for: accent wall, exterior, front door, cabinets, office. With an LRV of 12, 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. 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.
Woodsmoke in Other Brands
Looking for Woodsmoke equivalents in other brands besides PPG? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest PPG match for Woodsmoke (VR078C) is Thunderstorm (PPG1010-6) with a Delta E of 2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Thunderstorm 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. Woodsmoke is a Valspar color with warm smoky charcoal undertones and an LRV of 12. Thunderstorm is a PPG color with warm dark charcoal undertones and an LRV of 12. 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.