How To Read Paint Color Codes Behr

How to Read Paint Color Codes Behr

When it comes to choosing the perfect paint color for your home, it's important to understand how to read paint color codes. Behr, one of the leading paint manufacturers, uses a system that is easy to follow. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you decipher Behr paint color codes:

1. Identify the Color Family: The first letter of the paint color code indicates the color family. The following letters and their corresponding color families are:

B: Blue
G: Green
O: Orange
P: Pink
R: Red
S: Salmon
T: Teal
W: White
Y: Yellow

2. Determine the Hue: The second letter of the paint color code represents the hue or shade within the color family. For example, BG would indicate a blue-green hue, while RO would represent a reddish-orange hue.

3. Find the Lightness or Darkness: The third letter of the paint color code indicates the lightness or darkness of the color. The following letters and their corresponding lightness/darkness values are:

1: Very Light
2: Light
3: Medium Light
4: Medium
5: Medium Dark
6: Dark
7: Very Dark

4. Understand the Undertones: The fourth letter of the paint color code indicates the undertones of the color. The following letters and their corresponding undertones are:

N: Neutral
W: Warm
C: Cool

5. Example: Let's say you have a paint color code of R330-5. Breaking it down according to the Behr system, we have:

R: Red (Color Family)
3: Medium Light (Lightness/Darkness)
3: Neutral (Undertones)
0: Specific Hue
5: Specific Darkness

Therefore, this paint color code represents a medium-light neutral red with a specific hue and darkness.

Conclusion: Understanding Behr paint color codes is essential for selecting the right paint for your home. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily decipher each code and make informed color choices. Remember that undertones and hue can vary slightly, so it's always advisable to test the paint on a sample area before making a final decision.