Porpoise → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Sherwin Williams Porpoise (SW 7047), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Porpoise
If you love Sherwin Williams Porpoise but need a Benjamin Moore alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Benjamin Moore, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Porpoise (SW 7047) is a dark brown with warm dark brown undertones. A warm, dark brown with taupe undertones. Named for the marine mammal. Between Urbane Bronze and Mink in character. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 12) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Porpoise and every Benjamin Moore color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Benjamin Moore option is Dragon's Breath (1547) with a Delta E of 4.8, which is a "good match" level match. Dragon's Breath is darker. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Porpoise
Dragon's Breath is darker.
| Porpoise | Dragon's Breath | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 12 | 6.88 |
| Hex | #756C63 | #53483F |
| Undertone | Warm Dark Brown | Deep Warm Brown |
| Family | Brown | Brown |
Undertone Comparison
Porpoise has warm dark brown undertones. A warm, dark brown with taupe undertones. Named for the marine mammal. Between Urbane Bronze and Mink in character.
Dragon's Breath has deep warm brown undertones. A deep, rich warm brown with the intensity its name suggests. Not a black-brown but a true chocolate-espresso tone. Bold and warming.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Porpoise in Your Room
In bright light, the warm brown is rich. In dim rooms, a warm near-black. Earthy and grounding.
Dragon's Breath in Your Room
In bright light, the rich brown is visible and appealing. In dim rooms, a warm near-black. Under warm light, the chocolate quality emerges.
LRV and Brightness
Porpoise has an LRV of 12, while Dragon's Breath has an LRV of 6.88. That means Porpoise reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Porpoise will make the space feel brighter and more open than Dragon's Breath. If you are switching to the Benjamin Moore option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.
Best Rooms for Porpoise
Sherwin Williams recommends Porpoise for: accent wall, exterior, front door, cabinets, office. With an LRV of 12, this is a dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.
Dragon's Breath is recommended for: front door, accent wall, exterior trim, cabinets, powder room. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Porpoise in Other Brands
Looking for Porpoise equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Porpoise (SW 7047) is Dragon's Breath (1547) with a Delta E of 4.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Dragon's Breath is darker. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Porpoise is a Sherwin Williams color with warm dark brown undertones and an LRV of 12. Dragon's Breath is a Benjamin Moore color with deep warm brown undertones and an LRV of 6.88. With a Delta E of 4.8, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 4.8, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Benjamin Moore equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Benjamin Moore. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Benjamin Moore work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.