Sherwin Williams Mercurial SW 9550: LRV, Undertones and a Little More

When it comes to finding the BEST paint color it’s ALLLLL in the undertones. Okay, so maybe it’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s why you’re here, learning all about paint colors so you can choose the best one for you and your home!

And today we’re learning about…

In order to show you RELATEABLE & REAL homes, I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients. This means I don’t always have the quality pics I need, but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!

What type of paint color is Mercurial? Is it warm or cool?

Mercurial is a gray paint color with a soft subtle warmth to it. And when I say subtle, I ain’t kiddin‘. If you have north-facing light, expect to see Mercurial lean EASILY back into its gray, looking slightly cool. However, if you have south-facing or afternoon western sunshine, it will lean that bit warmer, without going full taupe.

PLEASE NOTE: Sherwin William Mercurial is in the DESIGNER EDITION and can only be made in Sherwin Williams Emerald paint, no other lines.

What is its LRV?

Mercurial has an LRV of 61 which is a fantastic depth for the average room. This LRV puts Mercurial in the ‘light’ range (learn more HERE).

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

What are the undertones of Mercurial? Is it a TRUE gray?

While Mercurial doesn’t have overwhelming undertones, it’s FAR from being a true gray. Like every gray paint color, Mercurial has an undertone – a VERY subtle, warm violet one.

What’s the best way to sample a paint color, should I just slap it on the walls?

Like with every paint color, I highly recommend using SAMPLIZE. Samplize is a peel & stick paint sample that you can easily move around your room for over HALF THE COST of traditional sample pots – and they deliver right to your front door!

HOWEVER, Samplize doesn’t have this new line of colors yet. In the meantime, you can EASILY do a ‘custom paint order’ from Hello Paint, which is a Canadian company (they can ship to the US)! Type in the name of the color you want, and if it doesn’t come up, go near the bottom of the page and you’ll see the ‘Create a Custom Color’ area – works like a charm!

Here’s a link to the SAMPLIZE site if you’re curious!

HERE’S A LINK TO HELLO PAINT!

What’s the best white paint color for my trim?

If you’re painting your walls Mercurial, look for a white paint color that’s soft and slightly warmer OR clean and true. I wouldn’t look at cool, icy whites or overly warm ones.

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Is this a good color for the exterior of my home?

Mercurial has the potential to be a good exterior color as its undertones should humour many of the popular stone and brick coverings. Expect it to look that bit warmer in southern sunshine and to wash-out considerably if it gets a good hit of natural light.

What Sherwin Williams paint colors are similar to Mercurial?

Sherwin Williams has a few colors with similar intentions…

Sherwin Williams Touch of Grey – slightly cooler
Sherwin Williams On the Rocks – slightly cooler
Sherwin Williams Alpaca – a bit darker and warmer

This photo shows the slightly darker and warmer Alpaca…

Does Benjamin Moore have a color that’s the same as this or similar to it?

GOOD QUESTION! Every color has its own particular nuances and there will be NO perfect match – you WILL see shifts in undertones, temperature and depths, but you could check out…

Benjamin Moore Nimbus – a bit darker, but with similar intentions
Benjamin Moore Collingwood – a bit warmer

Check out Benjamin Moore Collingwood in the next photo, which will give you a good ‘general idea’ of what to expect with Mercurial…

BTW, if you’re thinking of color matching between brands, I suggest you read THIS first.

What type of paint colors will look good with Mercurial?

While Mercurial will be VERY FUSSY about being partnered with warm colors like beige, tan and cream, it likes a whole RANGE of cool colors. Here are a few to get you started…

Gray-blues could be a stunning complement, ie: Sherwin Williams Network Gray
Gray-greens could also work well, ie: Sherwin Williams Cityscape
Slightly darker grays with similar OR different undertones, ie: Sherwin Williams Tinsmith

Not sure if Mercurial is right for you? Want a color that’s a bit warmer or cooler? I’ve got more!

SHERWIN WILLIAMS 10 BEST GRAY AND GREIGE PAINT COLORS