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A match of Sherwin Williams 42081 is a low-chroma, medium-dark gray with a subtle green-yellow undertone. It reads as an earthy, restrained neutral rather than a clean cool gray, and its LRV of 15.37 gives it a fairly deep appearance.

MyPerfectColor custom spray paint matched to the selected brand color can be used on vents, switch plates, grille covers, brackets, railings, mailboxes, shelving supports, PVC trim pieces, hardware, and fixture housings where a subdued color needs to blend with surrounding finishes. It also works well for baskets, frames, cabinet pulls, and other small sprayable parts that need a coordinated, low-contrast look.

Because this color is low in chroma, it generally covers more predictably than a vivid accent color, but the deeper value can still show surface flaws, sheen changes, and substrate color differences on smooth parts. Dark plastic, glossy metal, or patchy existing coatings may need good prep and more than one coat for an even result.

Finish and film build can change how strongly the green undertone appears, so the same match may read slightly warmer or cooler depending on application. If you are coating an existing part beside aged paint or working on an unusual substrate, a test application can help confirm the final appearance before completing the project.

Similar colors:

SW6201 Thunderous
HGSW3272 Perilous Grey
SW3042 Woodland

Product Data

About Sherwin-Williams

The SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY was founded by Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams in 1866. Today, the company is a global leader in the development, manufacture and sale of coatings and related products.

Matching Sherwin-Williams Paint Colors

MyPerfectColor matches all of the Sherwin-Williams paint colors so you can find and enjoy the colors you love. MyPerfectColor uses its expert capabilities to recreate the original Sherwin-Williams color by matching the original Sherwin-Williams color books and swatches. MyPerfectColor is not using Sherwin-Williams paint.

The colors shown on this website are computer video simulations of the Sherwin-Williams Color and may not match Sherwin-Williams Color standards. Refer to Sherwin-Williams Publications to obtain the accurate color. Please know that MyPerfectColor is matching the original Sherwin-Williams color. 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 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 Sherwin Williams™ 42081 *

How do I confirm Sherwin Williams 42081 before ordering a MyPerfectColor match?

Confirm Sherwin Williams 42081 from a physical swatch from the original brand or from a known existing painted sample, not from screen color alone. MyPerfectColor makes a custom match to the selected brand color reference, so the target color should be verified before you place the order.

If you are matching an existing part, check the color under the lighting where the item will be used and make sure you are comparing the same color reference, not just a similar-looking screen image.

If I order Sherwin Williams 42081 in MyPerfectColor paint, can I return it if I picked the wrong sheen or quantity?

Custom-matched paint orders should be confirmed carefully before checkout because they are made to order and custom color matches are not returnable or refundable. For Sherwin Williams 42081, verify the brand color reference, product type, sheen, and quantity before you submit the order.

This matters most when you are choosing a match of Sherwin Williams 42081 for a specific part or project, since the wrong sheen or not enough material can create avoidable delays.

Can Sherwin Williams 42081 be sprayed on plastics and other difficult substrates?

Yes, MyPerfectColor spray paint matched to Sherwin Williams 42081 can work on many plastics, but plastics vary a lot and some are harder to coat than others. Testing on the actual material is the safest way to confirm adhesion and appearance before you paint the full item.

Using the MyPerfectColor primer for acrylic enamel can help improve adhesion on challenging surfaces. Clean the part well, prepare it according to the material, and test first if the plastic is unfamiliar or has a slick, low-energy surface.

Is Sherwin Williams 42081 a good match for spray-painting baskets, frames, and other accessories?

Yes. MyPerfectColor custom spray paint matched to Sherwin Williams 42081 is a practical option for baskets, frames, shelving, decor pieces, furniture accents, brackets, knobs, and similar items where spray application is easier than brushing.

If the item is small, removable, or has detailed surfaces, spray paint can be a better way to apply a match of Sherwin Williams 42081 than trying to brush the color on. Choose the product format that fits the object and make sure the surface can be cleaned and prepared properly first.

Why can Sherwin Williams 42081 look different after I apply a MyPerfectColor match?

Even when the color match is correct, Sherwin Williams 42081 can read differently after application because of lighting, placement, sheen, texture, and nearby surfaces. Those factors can change how the finished item appears once it is installed or put back into use.

If the painted part will sit next to an existing coated surface, test the match on the actual substrate first. That is the best way to see how a match of Sherwin Williams 42081 will look in the real environment before you finish the whole item.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Sherwin Williams 42081?
All paint is custom-made to order. While most orders ship within 48 hours, the lead-time for paint made to match Sherwin Williams 42081 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 RGB, HEX and LRV values for Sherwin Williams 42081?
The RGB values for Sherwin Williams 42081 are 110, 110, 101 and the HEX code is #6E6E65. The LRV for Sherwin Williams 42081 is 15.37. The LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value and measures the percentage of light that a color reflects. Learn more about Light Reflectance Values and using RGB and Hex codes for paint.
What is the Hue Angle and Chroma for Sherwin Williams 42081?
The Hue Angle for Sherwin Williams 42081 is 105.93 and the chroma is 5.1. 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.
Which paint matching the Sherwin Williams 42081 would be best for interior walls?
MyPerfectColor doesn't sell Sherwin Williams, but it does match the Sherwin Williams 42081 in a wide variety of paint types. The best paint for interior walls is typically a matte or eggshell. Flat paint is most often used for ceilings and semi-gloss paint is used for trim. If it is a commercial or industrial application, you may have other considerations such as chemical resistance. Custom spray paint can be used for in wall speakers, railings, HVAC vents, electrical cabinets and anything else needing a professional spray smooth finish. Contact MyPerfectColor support if you have specific questions about the best paint to use for your project.
How can MyPerfectColor match the Sherwin Williams 42081?

MyPerfectColor has an original sample of the Sherwin Williams 42081 in its color archive. This enables us to make paint and verify that it matches the original.

Please note that if your material is not new then the paint may not work for touch up as your material has aged and is likely different than it was when new. Learn more about our color matching accuracy. If you need a touch up application, send us a part and we can create a touch up solution precisely matching the current color and sheen of your specific materials.

Learn more about our color matching service.

How much area will one spray can cover? And what is Sherwin Williams 42081 spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Sherwin Williams 42081. MyPerfectColor uses an acrylic enamel which is a fast-drying durable coating suitable for interior or exterior use. MyPerfectColor custom spray paint 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 11oz spray will cover about 20 square feet per coat. Keep in mind that it is difficult to gauge how much spray you'll need as it is highly dependent on how it is applied. It is better to have too much than run short.

How do I find the same color as the Sherwin Williams 42081 in a different company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide paint matched to the Sherwin Williams 42081, we don't provide any crossover information because this is a subjective determination. Every paint company offers its own unique selection of colors and rarely does a color have an exact equivalent in another company's color collection, so determining which color is the best approximation is a judgement call.

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