RAL 7012 Basalt Grey — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches
RAL 7012 Basalt Grey hex #464B4E · LRV 11. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.
Color spec
| Hex | #464B4E |
| RGB | 70, 75, 78 |
| LRV | ~11 |
| RAL Classic | RAL 7012 |
Also known as / near matches
RAL 7012, known as Basalt Grey, is a deep, foundational charcoal. While its name evokes volcanic rock, it’s a specific industrial standard. There aren’t direct German synonyms beyond the descriptive “Basaltgrau.” It sits close in family to other deep greys like RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey, which is slightly darker and cooler, or RAL 7021 Black Grey, which leans more distinctly black. Pantone equivalents would typically fall into the Cool Gray series, though finding an exact match for its subtle depth requires careful comparison.
What it looks like in real life
This deep, grounded grey quietly anchors a space, reading as a rich, soft charcoal rather than a stark black. In a north-facing room, where light is typically cooler and more consistent, Basalt Grey maintains its depth and inherent neutrality, perhaps allowing a very faint, almost imperceptible blue-green undertone to emerge, preventing it from feeling stark. It has an LRV of 11, which means it absorbs a significant amount of light, creating a strong, enveloping drape. This makes it a demanding color, requiring thoughtful lighting design to keep a room from feeling heavy.
Closest matches at US paint brands
Closest matches at US paint brands
| Color | Brand | Name | SKU | LRV | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | Iron Ore | SW 7069 | 6 | — | |
| Kompozit | Midnight Magic | 0508 | 6 | — | |
| Farrow & Ball | Down Pipe | No. 26 | 11 | — | |
| Magnolia Home | Boulevard | JG-066 | 7 | — | |
| Clare | Dark and Stormy | Clare 11 | 7 | — | |
| PPG / Glidden | Knight's Armor | PPG1011-7 | 6 | — | |
| Dunn-Edwards | Asphalt | DET631 | 5 | — | |
| Benjamin Moore | Witching Hour | 1416 | 6 | — | |
| Pratt & Lambert | Chalkboard | 32-5 | 6 | — | |
| Behr | Carbon | N520-7 | 5 | — | |
| Backdrop | After Hours | BD-AH | 6 | — | |
| Valspar | Cracked Pepper | 4011-1 | 5 | — |
Kompozit Midnight Magic is the closest overall match by ΔE, though its LRV is significantly lower than Basalt Grey. Farrow & Ball Down Pipe shares the exact LRV of 11, making it the closest in light reflection, while Benjamin Moore Witching Hour and Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore present as distinctly deeper, with lower LRVs and slightly cooler, more inky undertones. The spread of matches generally leans towards cooler, inky charcoal tones, with Basalt Grey offering a slightly softer, more balanced grey within this deep family.
When to use this color
Great for:
- Creates a sophisticated, enveloping backdrop in a dimly lit study or library.
- Accents architectural features like an interior door or a fireplace mantel in a bright, open-plan space.
- Provides a grounded, elegant foundation for a bedroom wall, fostering a sense of calm and retreat.
Tricky in:
- Can make small rooms without ample natural light feel heavy and claustrophobic if not balanced with sufficient artificial lighting.
- May appear too stark or formal in highly contemporary, minimalist spaces that lack texture or natural warmth.
Pairs well with
Pairs well with
Painting tips
- Primer: Given its deep LRV of 11, a dark gray tinted primer is essential to ensure true color development and reduce the number of finish coats.
- Sheen: A matte or eggshell finish on walls will best capture its velvety depth, while a satin or semi-gloss on cabinetry or trim will highlight its refined strength.
- Coats: Expect at least two coats over a properly tinted primer to achieve full, even coverage and a rich, consistent finish.
- Application: For such a deep color, careful application is key; spraying offers the most uniform finish, as brush or roller marks can be noticeable under raking light.