RAL 9018 Papyrus White — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches
RAL 9018 Papyrus White hex #C5C7C4 · LRV 60. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.
Color spec
| Hex | #C5C7C4 |
| RGB | 197, 199, 196 |
| LRV | ~60 |
| RAL Classic | RAL 9018 |
Also known as / near matches
RAL 9018, known as Papyrus White, is a nuanced light gray that often gets grouped with other near-white or very pale gray RAL codes. It’s not a true bright white, rather it possesses a gentle depth that distinguishes it from purer tones like RAL 9003 Signal White or RAL 9010 Pure White, which lack its subtle gray cast. Similarly, it’s distinct from deeper grays such as RAL 7035 Light Grey, which carries more saturation. While specific Pantone equivalents are not always direct, its character sits close to a very light, desaturated cool gray.
What it looks like in real life
Papyrus White reads as a sophisticated, barely-there gray that is incredibly responsive to light. In north-facing rooms, where light is cooler and more subdued, it quietly leans into a soft, ethereal gray, maintaining its crispness without ever feeling cold. When bathed in the warmer, direct glow of south-facing light, it softens beautifully, revealing just a whisper of its underlying warmth, preventing it from appearing stark or flat. In the late afternoon, as the sun dips low, this color drapes walls in a serene, almost contemplative light, never losing its gentle composure.
Closest matches at US paint brands
Closest matches at US paint brands
| Color | Brand | Name | SKU | LRV | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kompozit | Snowglory | 0531 | 58 | — | |
| Benjamin Moore | Gray Owl | OC-52 | 65 | — | |
| PPG / Glidden | Limited Gray | PPG1010-3 | 56 | — | |
| Dunn-Edwards | Cool December | DEC754 | 60 | — | |
| Sherwin-Williams | Repose Gray | SW 7015 | 58 | — | |
| Farrow & Ball | Borrowed Light | No. 235 | 67 | — | |
| Pratt & Lambert | Light Grey | 32-12 | 58 | — | |
| Valspar | Amazon Mist | 5005-1A | 56 | — | |
| Behr | Light French Gray | 720E-2 | 56 | — | |
| Magnolia Home | Embroidered Linen | JG-092 | 65 | — | |
| Clare | Mainstay | Clare 05 | 65 | — | |
| Backdrop | Real Real | BD-RR | 65 | — |
Kompozit Snowglory is the closest match by a significant margin, sharing an almost identical hue and LRV, making it a near-perfect twin. Dunn-Edwards Cool December also mirrors the exact LRV of 60, offering a comparable light-reflecting quality. While many matches hover around a similar LRV and offer a neutral-to-cool interpretation, Benjamin Moore Gray Owl presents a slightly brighter and cooler take, while Magnolia Home Embroidered Linen leans noticeably warmer with a subtle beige undertone, highlighting the breadth of the ‘light gray’ category.
When to use this color
Great for:
- It shines in a serene master bedroom, creating a calming envelope that encourages rest.
- Excellent for open-plan living spaces, providing a cohesive, airy backdrop that flows effortlessly.
- Beautiful in a bright, sunlit home office, offering a clean, focused environment without feeling sterile.
Tricky in:
- Can appear a little flat or uninspired in very dark, shadowed corners without adequate artificial lighting.
- On heavily textured surfaces, its subtle depth might be lost, making it read as a less interesting pale gray.
Pairs well with
Pairs well with
Painting tips
- Primer: For this medium-light color with an LRV of 60, a standard white-tinted primer is recommended to ensure optimal color true-ness and coverage.
- Sheen: A matte or eggshell finish on walls will best capture its subtle depth, while a satin or semi-gloss will bring out its crispness on trim and cabinetry.
- Coats: Expect excellent coverage with two coats, especially over a properly primed surface, for a uniform and rich finish.
- Application: Its mid-range LRV means that careful application is key; brush strokes or roller marks can become more apparent under raking light, so smooth, even passes are crucial.