Pain

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black-The Best Black Paint Color

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn money or receive products mentioned in this article. Please refer to my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Introduction: Why Tricorn Black is Extraordinary

Welcome back, my friend! Today, we’re diving into an exceptional paint color: Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams. This deep, dark hue is renowned for its ability to bring drama and elegance to any space it graces.

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black: A Closer Look

Statistics

Let’s start with some fascinating stats about Tricorn Black:

  • LRV: 3
  • Hue Family: Purple Blue
  • Color Collections: Reasoned, Trendsetter, Top 50 Colors, West Elm, 2021 Tapestry, Rejuvenation – Spring/Summer 2022

Tricorn Black boasts an LRV of 3. Now, you might ask, what does LRV mean? LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value, and it measures the amount of light reflected from and absorbed by a surface. With an LRV ranging from 0 (absolute black) to 100 (pure white), Tricorn Black is undeniably dark.

Understanding LRV and Hue Family

LRV is a common term used in the paint color realm, but its significance might not be immediately apparent to homeowners. Don’t worry, though—I’ll provide a brief overview. LRV helps you gauge a paint color’s light reflectance, aiding in the selection process.

The hue family of a paint color reveals its origins. Tricorn Black belongs to the purple-blue hue family. This information provides insights into how the color behaves and complements other shades.

Exploring Color Collections

Color collections are curated groups of paint colors. They can be created by experts or grouped based on color. Tricorn Black is part of several collections, including Sherwin Williams Top 50 Colors, which speaks volumes about its popularity and versatility.

Unveiling Tricorn Black’s Essence

What Color is Tricorn Black?

Tricorn Black is simply what it sounds like—a black paint color. Its beauty lies in its simplicity.

Undertones: A Subjective Perception

Tricorn Black doesn’t possess any notable undertones. However, it’s important to note that undertones can be subjective, influenced by lighting and the surrounding environment. The way a color interacts with a space heavily relies on lighting, so keep that in mind when considering Tricorn Black.

Determining Warmth or Coolness

Tricorn Black remains quite neutral, neither leaning towards warmth nor coolness. Comparing it to other colors is a helpful way to discern its tone. Depending on the color it’s compared to, Tricorn Black may exhibit subtle variations.

True Black or No-Nonsense Black?

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black comes extraordinarily close to true black, but I prefer to describe it as a no-nonsense black paint color. It’s an excellent choice if you want to avoid any unwanted color reflections. Tricorn Black is a remarkably neutral shade that embodies the essence of true black.

The Blackest Black by Sherwin Williams

According to Jackie Jordan, the director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams, Tricorn Black is indeed the blackest black within the Sherwin Williams collection. However, further research is needed to determine if it holds this distinction across all paint brands. Nonetheless, if you seek a true black, Tricorn Black will not disappoint.

Lighting, Cardinal Directions, and Tricorn Black

The lighting in your space significantly impacts how a paint color appears. It’s not the sole determinant, but it plays a crucial role. Being aware of your home’s lighting conditions and cardinal directions can aid in selecting the perfect paint color.

Effect of Lighting and Cardinal Directions

  • North-Facing Rooms: Cooler, bluish light characterizes North-facing rooms. Lighter colors may appear more muted, while bolder colors stand out.
  • South-Facing Rooms: Consistently bright throughout the day, South-facing rooms complement warm and cool tones. Darker colors appear brighter, while softer colors emanate a radiant glow.
  • East-Facing Rooms: East-facing rooms receive the brightest light in the mornings, with a yellow-orange tone. If the room is predominantly used in the evenings, warmer tones help balance the limited natural light.
  • West-Facing Rooms: Early evening showcases the most favorable light in West-facing rooms. Be aware that warmer tones might seem overwhelming due to the red-orange light. Morning use exhibits less intensity.

Choosing the Right Light Bulbs

Artificial lighting also influences how a paint color appears. The color of your light bulbs can affect the overall look of a room. With various options available, it’s crucial to understand the basics.

Light color, also known as light appearance, is measured on the Kelvin (K) temperature scale. Lower Kelvin numbers yield more yellow light, while higher numbers indicate whiter or bluer light.

Always opt for high-quality light bulbs that suit your needs. Avoid relying solely on names like “daylight” or “warm light.” Instead, check the package for accurate information.

Sampling Tricorn Black and Color Comparisons

Sampling Tricorn Black

Sampling paint colors is essential—no exceptions! Skipping this step could lead to disappointment and unnecessary expenses. So, how can you sample Tricorn Black easily and effectively? Allow me to introduce you to Samplize peel and stick paint samples!

Benjamin Moore Equivalent to Tricorn Black

While Tricorn Black is remarkable, you might wonder if there’s a comparable color from Benjamin Moore. According to scientific data, Benjamin Moore Black comes quite close to the specifications of Sherwin Williams Tricorn. Both offer similar darkness and neutrality.

The Pros and Cons of Color Matching

Color matching can be problematic due to variations in paint formulation across brands. Although Tricorn Black can be color matched, I advise caution. For those determined to proceed, it’s crucial to obtain a sample beforehand to ensure accurate color replication.

Versatile Applications of Tricorn Black

Tricorn Black is more versatile than you might think, making it an excellent choice for various applications. The possibilities are endless!

  • Kitchen Cabinets
  • Bedroom Walls
  • Interior Doors

Tricorn Black on the Exterior

Yes, Tricorn Black works wonderfully for exteriors too! Whether as a base color, for shutters, doors, or trim, it can bring a strong visual statement to your home.

When opting for a black exterior, keep in mind that dark colors tend to fade faster than lighter ones due to sun exposure. However, the boldness and modernity Tricorn Black imparts to your home are definitely worth it.

Complementing Tricorn Black with White

Tricorn Black’s neutrality provides endless opportunities to pair it with various white paint colors. Whether for trim or walls, finding a white to complement Tricorn Black is a breeze.

For instance, I used Benjamin Moore White Dove on my bedroom walls alongside Tricorn Black on my fireplace—truly a stunning combination. Remember, you can’t go wrong with any white paint color!

The Versatility of Tricorn Black: A Color Palette

Creating a color palette with Tricorn Black is a breeze. This neutral black works harmoniously with any shade you pair it with. Allow me to inspire you with a sample color palette:

  • Benjamin Moore White Dove
  • Benjamin Moore Caldwell Green
  • Sherwin Williams City Loft
  • Sherwin Williams Riverway
  • Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
  • Sherwin Williams Dovetail

Color Comparisons: Tricorn Black and Its Peers

Let’s compare Tricorn Black to a few other popular black paint colors:

Tricorn Black vs. Black Magic

  • Black Magic has an LRV of 3, matching Tricorn Black.
  • Tricorn Black belongs to the purple-blue hue family, while Black Magic is part of the red-red-purple hue family.
  • Black Magic is slightly lighter and may exude subtle warmth in certain lighting, while Tricorn Black remains neutral.

Tricorn Black vs. Iron Ore

  • Sherwin Williams Iron Ore boasts an LRV of 6, surpassing Tricorn Black’s LRV of 3.
  • Tricorn Black belongs to the purple-blue hue family, while Iron Ore hails from the green/yellow hue family.
  • Iron Ore is lighter and presents as an off-black or charcoal gray color.

Tricorn Black vs. Caviar

  • Sherwin Williams Caviar mirrors Tricorn Black with an LRV of 3.
  • Tricorn Black resides in the purple-blue hue family, while Caviar belongs to the purple/purple-red hue family.
  • Caviar is slightly lighter than Tricorn Black and may exhibit a touch of warmth.

Final Thoughts: The Popularity of Tricorn Black

It’s evident why Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is such a beloved paint color. It excels in its versatility, seamlessly complementing any style and pairing effortlessly with other hues. Tricorn Black is a timeless classic that will endure.

Black paint might seem intimidating at first, but Tricorn Black proves that it can create inviting, spacious, and sophisticated spaces when utilized correctly. So, go ahead and embrace the dark side with the absolutely fabulous Tricorn Black.

Recent Articles:

Images:
Exterior home painted with Tricorn Black
Image courtesy of black.housemi

Related Articles

Back to top button