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A match of Valspar 40078 Guru is a very dark, muted green-gray with a low-chroma, earthy cast. It sits close to charcoal, but the green and olive undertones keep it from reading as a plain black-gray. In MyPerfectColor custom spray paint, that makes it a restrained color for parts that should look dark without turning fully black.

MyPerfectColor custom spray paint matched to 40078 Guru can be used on small, sprayable items where a subdued dark finish is useful, such as HVAC vents, speaker grilles, switch covers, metal brackets, handrails, mailbox bodies, shutters, hardware, and fixture trim. It also works for PVC pipe, conduit, and other plastic or previously coated parts when the goal is to keep the piece visually quiet rather than bright or reflective.

Because this is such a deep color, surface condition and sheen can affect the final look. Gloss level, texture, and the condition of the substrate may make scratches, sanding marks, or patchy areas more noticeable, especially on smooth metal or plastic. On light-colored or uneven surfaces, careful prep and even film build help keep the dark green-gray reading uniform.

Similar colors:

EE2023C Dark Marsh
5003-2C Blackened Pine
10069 Just Olive

Product Data

About Valspar Paint

The Valspar Corporation is a manufacturer of paint and coatings based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Valspar was founded in 1806 as a paint dealership in Boston, Massachusetts. The Valspar name emerged in 1903 as the name of a clear varnish and became the company name in 1932. Sherwin-Williams acquired Valspar in June 2017.

Matching Valspar Paint Colors

MyPerfectColor is able to match all of the Valspar paint colors so you can find and enjoy the colors you love. MyPerfectColor uses its expert capabilities to recreate the original Valspar 40078 Guru by matching the original Valspar color books and swatches. MyPerfectColor does not use Valspar paint.

The colors shown on this website are computer video simulations of the Valspar 40078 Guru and may not match Valspar Color standards. Refer to Valspar Publications to obtain the accurate color. Please know that MyPerfectColor is matching the original Valspar 40078 Guru. If you intend to touch up paint that has been on your walls for years, know that your color has undoubtedly changed from the original due to exposure to light and age and the new paint may not match. You will achieve the best results by re-coating the entire surface.

If you need more assistance, please feel free to contact us and one of our expert staff would be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Match of Valspar™ 40078 Guru *

Where can I find the SDS for 40078 Guru by Valspar?

The SDS is tied to the MyPerfectColor product and chemistry you order, not to the Valspar color name by itself. If you need the SDS for 40078 Guru, check the MyPerfectColor Safety Data Sheets for the exact product format you plan to buy, such as spray paint or another matched product.

Can 40078 Guru by Valspar be used on plastic items?

MyPerfectColor spray paint will stick well to most plastics, but plastics vary and some need more prep than others. If the item is plastic, test on the actual part first and use the MyPerfectColor primer for better adhesion when needed. That reduces the risk of poor bonding on low-energy or hard-to-paint surfaces.

How do I choose a finish for 40078 Guru by Valspar when ordering MyPerfectColor paint?

Choose the finish based on how the item will be used and how you want it to perform. Sheen affects durability, reflectivity, cleanup, and how the matched color reads on the finished surface. The same 40078 Guru color can look different in a flat, satin, or gloss finish, so pick the finish that fits the object and the application.

How do I confirm the right 40078 Guru by Valspar color before ordering a MyPerfectColor match?

Confirm 40078 Guru from a physical swatch or a known existing color reference whenever possible. Screen images can vary, and MyPerfectColor matches the selected brand color standard rather than the look of a monitor. Verifying the target color first helps you order the correct match.

Can I order 40078 Guru by Valspar in spray paint for baskets, frames, shelving, or fixtures?

Yes. MyPerfectColor custom spray paint matched to 40078 Guru is a practical choice for baskets, frames, shelving, brackets, hardware, small fixtures, and similar items. It is designed for real-world projects where a repeatable color match matters on a part or accessory, not just on a full wall or large surface.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Valspar 40078 Guru?
All paint is custom-made to order. While most orders ship within 48 hours, the lead-time for paint made to match Valspar 40078 Guru depends on the type of paint needed. Interior and exterior house paints usually ship within 1 to 3 business days, while custom spray paint typically takes 3-5 business days to ship. The transit time depends on your location and the shipping method you choose. If your need is immediate, select Expedited Production during checkout. Most expedited production orders ship within 24 hours on business days. Please contact MyPerfectColor if you are concerned about a specific deadline. We do our best to make sure you get your paint on time. Learn more about paint lead times at MyPerfectColor.
What are the LRV, HEX, and RGB values for the Valspar 40078 Guru?
The RGB values for Valspar 40078 Guru are 66, 72, 62 and the HEX code is #42483E. The LRV for Valspar 40078 Guru is 6.14. The LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value and measures the percentage of light that a color reflects. Learn more about using RGB and Hex codes for matching colors and Light Reflectance Values.
What paint type is used to make spray paint matched to Valspar 40078 Guru? And how many spray cans do I need?

MyPerfectColor uses an acrylic enamel which is a fast-drying durable coating suitable for interior or exterior use. MyPerfectColor custom spray paint matched to Valspar 40078 Guru enables you to conveniently achieve a professional spray-smooth finish in any color in any sheen. It sticks well to most surfaces including metal, plastics, powder-coatings, cabinets and primed or previously painted wood.

The MyPerfectColor 11oz spray will cover about 20 square feet per coat. Keep in mind that it is difficult to gauge spray paint need as the coverage is highly dependent on how it is applied. Learn more about how spray paint works at MyPerfectColor.

What is the Hue Angle and Chroma for Valspar 40078 Guru?
The Hue Angle for Valspar 40078 Guru is 133.13 and the chroma is 7.14. The Hue Angle represents the position of a color's hue around a color wheel. The Chromacity represents the intensity of a hue. Learn more about browsing colors by hue.
Does Valspar paint color Valspar 40078 Guru need primer?
MyPerfectColor doesn't sell Valspar paint, but it does match the Valspar 40078 Guru and all the other Valspar colors in a wide variety of paint types. The need for primer depends on the specific paint and the substrate being painted. The top quality paints these days tend to be self-priming over most surfaces, while paint at the mid to lower grade quality levels will need a separate primer. Most special situations such as bleeding type woods or difficult to adhere surfaces like plastic will often need a specialty primer. Contact MyPerfectColor support if you have specific questions about the best paint to use for your project and whether you need a primer.
How can MyPerfectColor color match the Valspar 40078 Guru in paint?

MyPerfectColor has hundreds of color books in its archive, including the original Valspar paint color books. The color Valspar 40078 Guru you are looking for is in our library. We are able to make paint and verify that it matches the original.

Please note that if you are trying to touch up, the paint on your wall now is likely different than it was when first painted. MyPerfectColor will be sending the original color which may no longer match your walls. Learn more about color matching accuracy and our color matching service.

How do I convert Valspar 40078 Guru to a different color from another paint company?

While we can provide Valspar 40078 Guru in paint, we don't provide any crossover information. We've found that every paint company offers its own unique selection of colors and rarely does a color have an exact equivalent in another brand.

However, under the color image on a color page there is a link that says "Explore Colors". Clicking this link displays colors with similar values and you can look for any colors from the brand you want.

Keep in mind that this just shows similar colors based on the color values we have stored in our database. It doesn't mean it is the same or give any approximation about how close the color is. You can play around with the Hue, Lightness and Chroma sliders to expand the selection.