PPG Knight’s Armor PPG1001-6

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If you’ve been searching for a dramatic gray that flirts with black but still lets a little softness shine through, Knight’s Armor PPG1001-6 might just steal your heart (and your walls). This shade is a deep, cool, chalkboard gray with a true black undertone—bold, moody, and sophisticated without being harsh. Think of it as the perfect paint color for when you want drama, but the kind that doesn’t involve your in-laws or your HOA.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this stunner—undertones, lighting effects, color pairings, and how to make Knight’s Armor work beautifully in your home.

The Quick Take

• Brand: PPG Paints
• Color Name: Knight’s Armor
• Color Code: PPG1001-6
• Undertone: True black, cool gray
• LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 11
• Best For: Accent walls, cabinetry, trim, exterior doors

What Kind of Color is Knight’s Armor?

Knight’s Armor sits right on that delicious edge between dark charcoal and black. It’s not one of those grays that tries to be warm and cozy—it’s unapologetically cool, with strong black undertones that give it depth and sophistication.

This isn’t a color that blends into the background. It owns the space. If you want a bold accent wall in your living room, a moody bedroom backdrop, or cabinets that scream custom, Knight’s Armor is your go-to.

Follow these helpful painting tips and avoid these mistakes to get the job done right!

The Lighting Effect – How It Looks in Different Directions

Lighting is one of the most important factors when you are picking a paint color. That’s why I say “you need to sample” all the time. I know it gets annoying, but it’s my job to tell you. It’s also my job to give you insight, so here’s how Knight’s Armor behaves depending on the direction your room faces:

☀️ North-Facing Rooms

North-facing light tends to be cooler, which enhances Knight’s Armor’s moody personality. The color reads deeper and a bit more slate-like—perfect for a cozy office or a sophisticated media room.

🌅 South-Facing Rooms

In abundant southern light, Knight’s Armor softens slightly. The warmth in the light balances out the cool tones, making it look like a soft charcoal rather than a true near-black.

🌤 East-Facing Rooms

Morning light will give it a hint of brightness early in the day, then transition into a shadowy, cool gray by afternoon.

🌇 West-Facing Rooms

Expect a warm glow as the sun sets. The gray may appear a bit warmer and more dimensional in the golden-hour light.

💡My Tip: If you want the color to stay rich and dark, use it in rooms that don’t get direct sunlight all day long.

What Does LRV 11 Mean?

Knight’s Armor has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 11, which means it’s very dark. On a scale of 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white), 11 sits deep in the moody zone.

That low LRV means the color absorbs light rather than reflects it—so it’ll make walls feel intimate and dramatic. If you’re painting a small space, just make sure you balance it with good lighting or lighter accents to keep it from feeling cave-like.

The Perfect Trim and Ceiling Colors

To make Knight’s Armor really pop and be the star of the show, or I guess the room , you need to pair it with the right trim color. Here are a few tried-and-true combos I love:

• PPG Delicate White PPG1001-1 – crisp, clean, and classic
• PPG Gypsum PPG1006-1 – slightly warm white that adds softness
• PPG Whiskers PPG1025-3 – light gray for a tone-on-tone modern look

For ceilings, keep it simple with a true white—you’ll want that contrast to make the walls stand out.

How to Use Knight’s Armor

Here are a few spots where I think this color truly looks amazing:

• Accent Walls: Add depth and contrast behind a bed, TV, or sofa.
• Cabinetry: Gorgeous for kitchens or bathrooms when paired with marble or quartz countertops.
• Trim or Doors: A dramatic alternative to black that feels less stark.
• Exteriors: Works beautifully with white trim and stone details for a modern farmhouse or transitional look.

Sample Color Palettes Featuring Knight’s Armor

Here are a few ways to style it:

💬MY Tip: Always test your colors! Even the most gorgeous gray can look totally different depending on your home’s lighting and finishes.

WAIT! Before you start painting make sure you have the best painting tools to make your job easier. It will take hours off your painting time!

PAINT COLORS SIMILAR TO KNIGHT’S ARMOR

Alright — buckle up, because we’re diving deep into gray-versus-almost-black comparisons. (Yes, I get joy from this kind of thing.) These are similar but not the same. If you like one, you may like the other.

Let’s pit Knight’s Armor (PPG1001-6) against Benjamin Moore Gray 2121-10, Sherwin-Williams Rock Bottom (SW 7062), and Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069). I’ll walk you through undertones, how they behave in light, what makes them unique, and when you might pick one over another (besides your personal mood that day).

Paint	LRV / Relative Darkness*	Undertones / Color Bias	Vibe & Strengths	Things to Watch / Weaknesses
Knight’s Armor (PPG1001-6)	11	True black undertone, cool gray base	Bold, strong accent choice without being a full-on black	Could feel too dark in low light or small rooms
Benjamin Moore Gray 2121-10	LRV 1.5	Cool gray, subtle blue/neutral lean	Rich charcoal that can feel softer than black, more forgiving	In very low light can flirt with black; undertones might shift (slightly cooler)
SW Rock Bottom (7062)	Very dark LRV 7	Green-gray / mossy undertone in many lights	Dramatic, moody, nature-edge; distinct personality	In bright light, the green cast intensifies; pairing colors need to read with that undertone in mind
SW Iron Ore (7069)	Extremely dark 6	Neutral to slightly warm/green/gray (very subtle)	Deep, refined “almost black” — less moody than a true black, more flexible	In some lighting it could read a bit flat or warmer than expected

FAQs About Knight’s Armor PPG1001-6

Q: Is Knight’s Armor more gray or black?
A: It’s a true charcoal gray—dark enough to border on black but with a slightly softer, cooler feel.

Q: What colors go well with Knight’s Armor?
A: Pair it with crisp whites, muted grays, warm taupes, or even blush pink for a subtle pop.

Q: Can I use it in a small room?
A: Yes—but balance it with good lighting and lighter decor so it doesn’t feel like a cave.

Q: Is Knight’s Armor good for exteriors?
A: Absolutely. It’s striking on exterior siding or as an accent for shutters, trim, or doors.

Final Thoughts

Knight’s Armor is that perfect dark gray that gives you all the drama of black—without feeling too heavy or cold. It’s a color that oozes sophistication, looks incredible against crisp whites, and adds instant depth to any space.

While Samplize doesn’t carry PPG paint samples just yet, it’s still incredibly important to sample before you commit. I recommend grabbing a small paint sample pot or painting a large swatch on poster board to see how the color reacts to your specific lighting.

Because as much as I adore Knight’s Armor (and I do), lighting is the ultimate dealbreaker when it comes to dark paint colors.

Related Posts You’ll Love

• PPG Black Magic Review – The Ultimate Bold Black Paint Color
• PPG Ghost Writer Review – A Soft, Modern Gray You’ll Love
• Sherwin Williams Iron Ore – The Dark Neutral Designers Swear By
• The Best Dark Paint Colors for Accent Walls
• How to Choose the Right White Trim Color Every Time

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