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Ever wondered if that black paint lives up to the hype? Meet Tricorn Black (SW 6258)—the inky, true black I’ve used on multiple applications, including the DIY fireplace I built (with my own two hands). After months of living with it, I’m sharing real-world lighting results, LRV testing, and whether it’s worth painting your whole trim or just an accent. Spoiler: I’m still in love—with good reason.
STATS
Let’s just jump right in with a few fun statistics about Tricorn Black.
- LRV: 3
- HUE FAMILY: Purple Blue
- Color Collections: Reasoned, Trendsetter, Top 50 Colors, West Elm, 2021 Tapestry, Rejuvenation – Spring/Summer 2022
What Makes Tricorn Black That Black
- True black with an LRV of 3: It absorbs light—no weird undertones of blue, brown, or green appear.
- Perfect for modern and traditional styles: Walls, doors, cabinets, built-ins—you name it, it holds its own.
- Available in multiple sheens: Matte for walls, satin/semi-gloss for cabinetry—each with its own charm.
LRV
LRV is a very commonly used term you hear when it comes to paint colors. And it can be very helpful in choosing a paint color. However, many people are unaware of what it is or why it’s useful. And for a homeowner, that’s completely normal!
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value. It is a measurement commonly used by design professionals that measures the amount of light reflected from and absorbed by a surface. LRVs range from 0-100, with 100 being pure white and 0 being absolute black.
A great article to read to learn more about LRV is Light Reflectance Value: What Do Those Numbers Mean?
Now, having an idea of what LRV means, you could have guessed that Tricorn would have a super low LRV, being that it is so dark of a color.
One of the lesser-known or talked-about stats is the hue family of paint colors. The hue family is based on the origins of the colors we can see. For example, red, blue, green, yellow, etc.
UNDERTONES
Tricorn Black has no notable undertones.
Undertones are merely subjective. You may notice an undertone show up in a paint color that someone else doesn’t see. But how is that possible?
The way a color acts in a space is highly influenced by the lighting as well as the surroundings in it. Lighting plays a significant role in the way a paint color looks.
A WARM OR COOL PAINT COLOR?
It doesn’t really lean warm or cool. In my experience, this is a color that stays pretty dang neutral.
If you’re wondering how to determine whether a paint color is warm or cool in tone, simply compare it to another paint color. I find that comparing it to another color allows you to see the tone better.
That being said, depending on what color you compare it to, it may potentially look cooler or warmer in tone.
Let me show you what I mean and compare Tricorn Black to Black Fox. As you can see, Black Fox, when placed next to Tricorn Black, is clearly the warmer paint color of the two.
Explore More Warm-Toned Paint Colors:
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Lighting + Setting Insights
- Natural light rooms: The black reads velvety and rich—not harsh.
- North-facing or low-light rooms: It deepens beautifully—doesn’t look like a hole, just drama.
- Artificial lighting: Semi-gloss finish pops under lights; matte offers depth without shine.
Just as natural light affects paint colors, so does artificial lighting.
Follow these helpful painting tips and avoid these mistakes to get the job done right!
How to Test & Choose Wisely
- Use Samplize peel-and-stick samples in 2+ locations and lighting types.
- Snap a photo during daytime & evening to evaluate undertones.
- Pair swatches with your trim like Pure White to confirm contrast.
- Lock in the sheen based on surface needs (walls vs. cabinets).
Not sampling paint colors is one of the biggest painting mistakes you can make! If you skip it, you run the risk of a paint color failing to look the way you hoped it would. This is not only disappointing but costly!
LEARN HOW TO SAMPLE PAINT COLORS THE RIGHT WAY!
GRAB A COPY OF MY PAINT SAMPLING WORKSHEET TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PAINT SAMPLES!
This is why I always say sample those paint colors!
Want to know the best and easiest way you can sample SW Tricorn Black?
SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK PAINT SAMPLES!
Quickly, let’s talk about testing paint colors.
Instead of physically going to your nearest paint store to grab your samples, you need to try Samplize Peel & Stick paint samples.
Why should you try Samplize?
- Super affordable
- Mess-free
- Non-damaging
- Made with real manufacturer paint
- Displays color just like a wall
- Environmental friendly
- Reusable
These peel & stick paint samples are super affordable and allow you to test a paint color in all different areas of a room without the mess of a traditional paint sample!
You know how I feel about testing paint colors, it’s a must!
Don’t create more work for yourself. Order Samplize now and have them shipped directly to you. No-fuss, no mess! Check them out for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
BENJAMIN MOORE EQUIVALENT
According to scientific data, there was one color that came fairly close.
- 2126-10 BLACK TAR
- LRV 3.63
Are these two paint colors identical? No. They have a few minor differences. For example, Benjamin Moore’s Black Tar is a bit lighter and not as black.
A color I have used that I find to be quite comparable is Benjamin Moore Black. They are both very similar in terms of darkness, and they are both quite neutral.
COLOR MATCHING, SHOULD YOU DO IT?
I don’t like to color match. This is because brands have their own methods for formulating paint colors, and there is no guarantee that a paint color will be accurately matched.
If you still want to proceed with color matching, I highly recommend getting a sample of the color beforehand. This way, you can make sure the color is what you intended it to be.
DON’T FORGET YOUR TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES!
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How I Used It
- Kitchen Island: Semi-gloss finish—paired it with crisp white cabinetry and brass hardware. The look? Chef’s kiss.
- Bathroom Vanity: Satin finish—dramatic contrast against white shiplap and warm wood.
- Interior and Front Doors: Matte finish—provides sleek sophistication without a plastic look.
- Exterior Trim & Shutters: High contrast pop with durable visual appeal.
Paint your kitchen cabinets black!
Emily @stumpsaltboxreno on Instagram painted her kitchen cabinets using Tricorn Black.
Her cabinets look sleek and modern, and they don’t look too overpowering or heavy in her kitchen, either. She created such a timeless and classic kitchen—I’m in love!
I built this fireplace in my master bedroom using my DIY shiplap.
Going with black made the fireplace stand out in a fantastic way!
READ MORE: HOW TO PAINT SHIPLAP
A bedroom wall color. I know what you’re thinking: black walls won’t that be too heavy for the room?
Holly owner of H Interiors went for it.
The room doesn’t look dark or weighed down; rather, it looks classical and extremely elegant.
Paint your interior doors black! This is a trend I have seen lately, and to be honest, I love it!
BLN Home painted her interior doors. They look fantastic, and it’s such a refreshing shift from the ordinary white doors.
IS IT A GOOD EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR?
Yes, I do think it will work on the exterior of a home, not only as a base color but for shutters, doors, trim, etc.
Whether or not you have thought about painting the exterior of your home black, it is more common than you think, and it can make a very strong visual statement.
EXPLORE MORE EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS:
- Paint Colors that go with Brick
- The Best Sherwin Williams Exterior Colors
- Amazing BM Exterior Colors
- Fabulous Blue Exterior Paint Colors
- Front Door Paint Colors that make a Statement
WHAT COLORS GO WITH IT?
Since you honestly cannot go wrong with any paint color, I wanted to share a few of my favorites.
Head-to-Head Color Comparisons
| Paint | LRV | Undertone | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tricorn Black | ~3 | None—neutral jet black | Doors, islands, accent walls |
| Black Magic | ~3 | Slight red warmth | Cozier accents with inviting warmth |
| Iron Ore | ~6 | Green/yellow gray mix | Rustic, softer moody walls |
| Caviar | ~3 | Slight purple warmth | Elegant, classic black tones |
WANT TO SAMPLE PAINT COLORS THE EASY WAY?
TRY SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK PAINT SAMPLES!
IT’S THE MESS & FUSS FREE WAY TO TEST PAINT COLORS.
FAQ – What People Really Ask
Q: Is Tricorn Black too dark to use on an entire room?
A: It’s bold, yes. Balance it with natural light or crisp trim. For minimalist drama, use it on one wall or island.
Q: Which sheen is best for which surface?
A: Use matte for walls, satin/semi-gloss for cabinetry/trim—shiny sheens are easier to clean.
Q: What white pairs best with this black?
A: My favorites are SW Pure White or Extra White for high contrast, and Alabaster for softer transitions.
Q: Do I need to sample this color?
A: Absolutely. I always test with Samplize peel-and-stick samples in different lighting before committing.
Want More Paint Wisdom?
- See my Best Black Paint Colors post to compare Tricorn with other top picks.
- Learn my How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets – Pro Tips for a flawless finish on dark cabinetry.
- Check out my Guide to Choosing Paint Colors to streamline your whole home palette.
Final Takeaway
Tricorn Black is the truest, most versatile black you’ll find. Its neutrality, combined with flexible sheens, makes it perfect for modern drama or timeless elegance. Just test it thoroughly and pick your surface sheen wisely.
Ready to try Tricorn Black? Don’t guess—test first with Samplize peel-and-stick samples. It’s my go-to method before committing a gallon to the brush!
Do you still need a little more guidance finding a paint color?
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I’m Cate. As a seasoned paint color consultant and former proprietor of the highly regarded painting company WOW 1 Day Painting in Bergen County, my journey in the world of design and home improvement has been a colorful one, quite literally. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, I’ve cultivated a passion for transforming spaces through the power of paint, furniture restoration, and thoughtful home decor.