Finding the correct paint code for white shadow can be tricky. There are many shades of white and gray that can appear similar. Knowing the exact paint code ensures you get the right color for your painting project. This guide will walk through how to identify the specific white shadow paint color and find the corresponding code from major paint brands.
What is White Shadow?
White shadow refers to a pale gray color with hints of blue or purple undertones. It sits between stark white and light gray on the color spectrum. White shadow gets its name from resembling a faded, shadowed white surface. It provides more subtle contrast than bright white and works well for accent walls or trims.
The exact shades classified as white shadow differ slightly between paint manufacturers. But in general, white shadow colors share these traits:
- Very light grayish tone
- Hint of cool blue or purple undertone
- Lighter than typical light gray
- Less contrast than bright white
White shadow sits between white and gray on the color wheel. It maintains enough brightness to feel lively, while the undertones add subtle depth. The cool tones differentiate it from greige shades with brown undertones.
Identify Your White Shadow Color
Since white shadow covers a range of light grayish tones, you’ll need to identify the specific shade you want to match. Here are some tips for nailing down the perfect white shadow for your needs:
- Browse white shadow color swatches – Brands like Behr, Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore have collections of white and gray shades with detailed swatches. Compare swatches in person or online to find your ideal tone.
- Bring home paint samples – Paint stores can provide free sample pots of their white shadow colors. Test samples on the wall and view at different times of day to pick the perfect match.
- Reference the undertones – Cool blue/purple white shadows differ from warm greige shades. Examine undertones in current paint or interior furnishings you want the color to complement.
- Consider the lighting – The amount of natural and artificial light impacts how white shadow tones are perceived. Test samples on the specific wall you’ll paint to see how the color looks in your lighting conditions.
Spending time comparing shades and undertones will ensure you hone in on the precise white shadow for your space. Once you’ve identified the perfect color, finding the specific paint code is easy.
Sherwin Williams White Shadow Codes
Sherwin Williams offers many white and gray paint colors including several shades of white shadow. Here are some of their most popular white shadow codes:
| Paint Color Name | Code |
|---|---|
| Agreeable Gray | SW 7029 |
| Gauntlet Gray | SW 7019 |
| Mindful Gray | SW 7016 |
| Rocky Coast | SW 7677 |
| Silver Strand | SW 7648 |
| Worldly Gray | SW 7043 |
With names like “Gauntlet Gray” and “Mindful Gray,” you can tell these whites have subtle depth beyond flat white. The codes with SW prefixes are Sherwin Williams-specific. Provide the code at a Sherwin Williams store to get the exact white shadow match.
Benjamin Moore White Shadow Paint Codes
For over a century, Benjamin Moore has offered iconic white and light gray paint shades. They provide multiple white shadow options including:
| Paint Color Name | Code |
|---|---|
| Cape Cod Gray | HC-170 |
| Chelsea Gray | 2134-60 |
| Gray Owl | OC-52 |
| Horizon | 1478 |
| Platinum Gray | 2130-60 |
| Stonington Gray | HC-170 |
Benjamin Moore codes start with OC for off-white colors, CC for cooler grays, and HC for warmer undertones. Referencing the code will eliminate any guesswork and let you recreate that perfect white shadow ambience.
Behr White Shadow Paint Colors
At Behr, you can explore an interactive palette of grays to find the right white shadow for your needs. Here are some top choices:
| Paint Color Name | Code |
|---|---|
| Silver Screen | N480-1 |
| Gray Cloud | PPU18-20 |
| Copper Dust | PR-W13 |
| Galaxy Gray | M470-1 |
| Ice Cube | 1450 |
Behr paint codes follow a few formats. “PPU” codes indicate the Pro paint line while “PR-W” are from the Premium Plus Ultra collection. Referencing the exact code will remove doubts at the paint store.
Finding Codes for Other Brands
Nearly every major paint company offers white shadow hues – you just need to find the specific name and code:
- Valspar – Look for colors like Silhouette, Twisted Steel or Lakeshore Fog and their corresponding 4-digit codes.
- PPG – Check shades like Certain Gray (3990-3) or Virtual Taupe (3453-3).
- Kelly-Moore – Browse white shadows with names like Sanctuary, Heathered Wool, or Moonlit Snow.
- Dunn-Edwards – Choices like Ghostly or Rumpus Room Gray are good starting points.
Most codes follow a basic format – the name describes the white shadow tone while the code identifies it precisely. With the manufacturer and specific color code, you can easily match an existing white shadow or find the perfect swatch for your space.
Decode Color Codes
Paint brands use letter and number codes to identify each color definitively. But how do you decode a paint code? Here’s a brief guide:
- Letters indicate the paint type – Flat, matte, eggshell, etc.
- Numbers specify the proprietary color pigment formula.
- Standard codes have 2 letters followed by 3-4 digits – like SW 7573.
- Newer codes may add extra digits as more colors are added.
While codes don’t reveal undertones, they pinpoint an exact pigment that professional painters understand. The color name describes the tone and look. So both elements together communicate the precise white shadow you want.
Where to Find Paint Codes
Every major paint brand publishes their color codes to help customers identify the right shade. Here are some places to find specific white shadow codes:
- Paint brand websites – Search for “white shadow” and filter by color family.
- In-store swatch books – Flip through physical color decks organized by tone and family.
- Color sample chips – Codes are printed on physical paint chips you can take home.
- Smartphone apps – Benjamin Moore, Behr and others have apps to browse colors.
- Online visualizers – Upload a photo and edit with virtual paint colors to find the perfect match.
Paint associates at home improvement stores are also knowledgeable about color codes and can help you identify the white shadow you’re trying to match. Provide as many details as you can about the existing paint color to narrow down options.
Choosing Your Finish
Once you’ve selected the ideal white shadow color, the paint finish impacts the final look. Consider sheen and special features like:
- Flat/Matte – Best for hiding imperfections but hard to clean.
- Eggshell – Classic balance of subtle sheen and stain resistance.
- Satin – Light reflective finish that stands up to washing.
- Semi-gloss – Very washable luster ideal for trim and bathrooms.
Higher gloss finishes add durability and visually lighten the color. Darker walls suit flatter paints to avoid glare. Primers boost adhesion and coverage.
Communicate the sheen you want when requesting white shadow paint. The color code stays the same, but the finish affects the end look.
Mix Custom White Shadow Tones
Can’t find a pre-mixed white shadow that’s the perfect shade? Many paint stores can mix custom colors to match anything you desire. This involves:
- Bring a physical sample of the target color – an actual paint swatch, fabric, or other object.
- Describe the color precisely to a paint associate.
- Use a smartphone app to photograph and match the color.
Custom mixing does cost more than pre-mixed paints. But for rare shades or special projects, it allows DIY matching of any white shadow imaginable.
Conclusion
Choosing that ideal white shadow color involves sampling physical swatches and browsing the many shades offered by leading paint brands. Look for light grays with a subtle cool blue or purple undertone. Once you’ve identified the perfect tone, reference the specific manufacturer code to get the exact match for your space. Understanding how codes work and where to find them makes matching existing paint a breeze.