PPG Sharkskin Paint Review (PPG1025-4):Undertones, LRV & Best Pairings

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PPG Sharkskin (PPG1025-4) is a warm midtone greige with sandy undertones and an LRV of 40. It works beautifully in living spaces, bedrooms, and kitchens—especially when paired with marble countertops and warm white trim. This review covers how Sharkskin looks in different lighting conditions, its undertones, trim pairings, and curated color palettes, so you can decide if it’s right for your home.

If you’ve been searching for a paint color that walks the fine line between gray and beige without turning muddy, purple, or “why does this look different every hour?” — let me introduce you to PPG Sharkskin (PPG1025-4).

Sharkskin is what I call a baked greige. It’s warm, grounded, and quietly confident. No drama. No mood swings. Just a solid, dependable color that works beautifully in real homes — not just perfect Pinterest kitchens.

I’ve recommended this color for living spaces, bedrooms, and kitchens, especially for homeowners who want warmth without committing to a full-on beige. Let’s break it down.

Quick Stats: PPG Sharkskin 1025-4

Color Family: Greige (gray + beige)
Depth: Midtone
Undertones: Sandy, warm neutral
LRV: 40
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, open-concept spaces
Finish Recommendation: Eggshell or satin for walls

What Color Is PPG Sharkskin, Really?

Sharkskin is a midtone gray with a baked-in greige warmth. It leans neutral-warm without crossing into yellow territory — which is exactly why it works so well in so many spaces.

If you’re tired of:

Grays that look icy and sterile
Beiges that feel dated
“Greige” colors that can’t decide who they want to be

Sharkskin delivers balance. It’s grounded, slightly earthy, and incredibly livable.

Understanding Sharkskin’s Undertones (This Is the Important Part)

Let’s talk undertones — because this is where paint colors either shine or sabotage you.

Sharkskin has:

✔️ Sandy, warm undertones
✔️ No purple (thankfully)
✔️ No green cast
✔️ No surprise pink moments

The warmth is subtle and controlled. It’s not yellow, but it is cozy. This makes it ideal for homes with:

Warm flooring (oak, honey tones, engineered wood)
Marble or quartz countertops
Warm white trim

This is one of those colors that behaves itself — and I love it for that.

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LRV 40: What That Means for Your Space

Sharkskin has an LRV of 40, which places it firmly in the midtone range.

Here’s what that means in real life:

It won’t wash out in bright rooms
It won’t feel cave-like in average lighting
It adds depth without overwhelming a space

This makes Sharkskin especially great for:

Open-concept homes
Rooms with mixed lighting
Walls where you want contrast without going dark

If white feels too stark and dark gray feels too heavy, LRV 40 is a sweet spot.

How Lighting Affects PPG Sharkskin

Bedroom with greige walls, bed and window

Lighting changes everything, and Sharkskin is no exception — but it’s far more predictable than most greiges.

North-Facing Rooms

Leans slightly more gray
Still warm, never cold
Looks calm and sophisticated

South-Facing Rooms

Warmth is amplified
Feels cozy and inviting
Great for family rooms and kitchens

East-Facing Rooms

Soft and neutral in the morning
Balanced throughout the day

West-Facing Rooms

Warms up beautifully in afternoon light
No weird orange or muddy moments

Bottom line? Sharkskin plays nicely with light — no tantrums.

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Is PPG Sharkskin Good for Kitchens?

Yes. Absolutely. 100%.

Sharkskin looks fantastic paired with marble or marble-look countertops, especially:

White marble with gray veining
Quartz with subtle warmth
Soft white or cream cabinetry

It provides contrast without overpowering the space and works beautifully with:

Brass or champagne hardware
Stainless steel appliances
Warm wood accents

This is a kitchen color that won’t feel dated in five years.

Best Trim Colors for Sharkskin

Choosing the right trim color is where Sharkskin really shines.

My Go-To Trim Picks:

PPG Delicate White – soft and warm, my top choice
PPG Pure White – clean but not stark
PPG Whisper White – great if you want warmth without creaminess

Pro tip: Avoid ultra-bright, blue-based whites. They’ll make Sharkskin look heavier than it actually is.

Sample Color Palettes That Work Beautifully with Sharkskin

Warm Neutral Palette (Soft, Cozy, Timeless)

Perfect if you want a layered, inviting look that never feels trendy or cold.

PPG Sharkskin (PPG1025-4) – main wall color
PPG Delicate White – trim and ceilings
Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige – adjoining rooms or accent walls
Benjamin Moore Pale Oak – soft contrast for bedrooms or sitting areas

Why it works:
These colors share warm undertones, so nothing clashes or feels out of place. It’s calm, cohesive, and incredibly livable.

Modern Organic Palette (Earthy, Clean, Elevated)

This palette is ideal if you love warmth but still want a modern edge.

PPG Sharkskin – walls
Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog – accent walls or cabinetry
Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage – complementary rooms
PPG Delicate White – trim and ceilings

Why it works:
The muted greens enhance Sharkskin’s sandy undertones and pair beautifully with natural wood, stone, and woven textures.

Cozy Contemporary Palette (Soft Contrast, No Harsh Edges)

If you love a neutral-on-neutral look with just enough depth.

PPG Sharkskin – main walls
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray – secondary spaces
Sherwin Williams City Loft – ceilings or low-contrast trim
PPG Whisper White – cabinetry or millwork

Why it works:
Everything stays in the same warm-neutral family, which creates a seamless, high-end look — especially in open-concept homes.

Kitchen-Ready Palette (Classic With a Twist)

Designed specifically to pair with marble, quartz, and warm metals.

PPG Sharkskin – walls
Benjamin Moore White Dove – cabinets or trim
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray – islands or adjoining spaces
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore – accent or island base

Why it works:
Sharkskin anchors the space, while the whites stay warm, and the darker accents add contrast without overwhelming the room.

Soft Bedroom Palette (Calm, Relaxed, Slightly Luxe)

Perfect for private spaces where you want comfort first.

PPG Sharkskin – walls
Benjamin Moore Silver Satin – trim
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray – accent walls
Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist – complementary rooms

Why it works:
These shades create a serene, layered look that feels cozy without being sleepy or flat.

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Pro Tip from Me

If you’re using Sharkskin in an open floor plan, keep all companion colors within the same warm-neutral lane. Avoid crisp, blue-based whites or icy grays — they’ll make Sharkskin look heavier than it actually is.

FAQs About PPG Sharkskin

Is Sharkskin more gray or beige?

It’s truly greige — balanced, with a gentle warm lean.

Does Sharkskin work in open-concept homes?

Yes. It transitions beautifully between rooms and lighting conditions.

Will Sharkskin look too dark?

Not at all. With an LRV of 40, it adds depth without feeling heavy.

Is this color trendy or timeless?

Timeless. This is not a flash-in-the-pan Pinterest color.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use PPG Sharkskin?

living room with greige walls and light tan couches

If you want a midtone neutral that behaves, works in multiple rooms, and doesn’t change personalities throughout the day, PPG Sharkskin is an excellent choice.

It’s warm without being beige.
Neutral without being boring.
And flexible enough to grow with your home.

In other words? Sharkskin is the kind of color you choose when you’re done playing paint roulette — and I fully approve.

👉 Pro tip from me: Always test it on your walls first. Lighting, flooring, and finishes matter — and a sample can save you from repainting regret.

If you need help pairing Sharkskin with trim, cabinets, or other finishes, that’s literally what I do all day — and I’m happy to help. 😊