RAL 5010 Gentian Blue — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches
RAL 5010 Gentian Blue hex #0E294B · LRV 4. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.
Color spec
| Hex | #0E294B |
| RGB | 14, 41, 75 |
| LRV | ~4 |
| RAL Classic | RAL 5010 |
Also known as / near matches
RAL 5010 Gentian Blue is a deep, saturated blue that often gets associated with classic navy hues due to its profound depth. While there isn’t a direct German synonym, its name evokes the vibrant blue of the gentian flower. It can sometimes be confused with other very dark blues or even mistaken for black in poorly lit conditions, particularly when compared to slightly warmer or grayer near-neighbor RAL blues. Given its intensity, finding an exact Pantone equivalent can be challenging, but it sits comfortably in the family of very deep, true blues.
What it looks like in real life
Gentian Blue reads as a commanding, almost inky blue, holding its intense pigment with quiet confidence. In north-facing light, it deepens further, creating a rich, velvety expanse that can feel profoundly enveloping, revealing its truest blue only when directly kissed by light. Conversely, in south-facing rooms or under direct afternoon sun, its blue character becomes more pronounced, hinting at a subtle indigo depth without ever losing its foundational coolness. Its extremely low LRV of 4 dictates that it absorbs almost all ambient light, making it a color that anchors a space with a powerful presence.
Closest matches at US paint brands
Closest matches at US paint brands
| Color | Brand | Name | SKU | LRV | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Old Navy | 2063-10 | 4 | — | |
| PPG / Glidden | Naval Adventure | PPG1163-7 | 5 | — | |
| Behr | Dark Navy | PPU14-20 | 5 | — | |
| Kompozit | Star-Studded | 0620 | 5 | — | |
| Sherwin-Williams | Salty Dog | SW 9177 | 5 | — | |
| Valspar | Boundary Waters | 5007-9C | 5 | — | |
| Clare | Goodnight Moon | Clare 10 | 6 | — | |
| Backdrop | Last Call | BD-LC | 6 | — | |
| Farrow & Ball | Stiffkey Blue | No. 281 | 7 | — | |
| Dunn-Edwards | Indigo Mood | DEA180 | 7 | — | |
| Magnolia Home | Coal | JG-040 | 3 | — | |
| Pratt & Lambert | Black Lacquer | 32-2 | 3 | — |
Benjamin Moore Old Navy is the closest match to Gentian Blue, nearly identical in both ΔE and LRV, making it an excellent alternative with a shared deep, cool undertone. The broader collection of brand matches largely centers on rich, cool blues, though options like Magnolia Home Coal and Pratt & Lambert Black Lacquer lean distinctly towards a charcoal black, offering a more dramatic undertone difference.
When to use this color
Great for:
- This color is exceptional for a library or study, creating an atmosphere of deep focus and quiet sophistication.
- Consider it for an accent wall in a brightly lit living room, allowing its depth to ground the space without feeling heavy.
- It shines on kitchen cabinetry, particularly in modern or transitional designs, providing a grounded, elegant anchor to the room.
Tricky in:
- Avoid using this color in small, windowless rooms or those with very limited natural light, as it can make the space feel overly enclosed and dim.
- Be cautious on highly textured surfaces where its extreme depth could accentuate shadows, making the texture appear rougher than intended.
Pairs well with
Pairs well with
Painting tips
- Primer: For this deep color (LRV 4), a dark gray tinted primer is essential to ensure true color development and reduce the number of finish coats.
- Sheen: For walls, a matte or eggshell finish will absorb light and deepen the color’s velvety presence, while a satin or semi-gloss on trim or cabinetry will allow its blue depths to subtly reflect light.
- Coats: Expect at least three coats over a properly tinted dark gray primer to achieve complete opacity and depth of color.
- Application: Given its deep, saturated nature, careful application is paramount; any roller marks or brush strokes will be highly visible under raking light, so spraying offers the most seamless finish.