Benjamin Moore Black Tar (2126-10) is a very dark black with almost no visible undertone and an LRV of 4. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Greenblack (SW 6994), Farrow & Ball Pitch Black (No.256) and Behr Limousine Leather (MQ5-05). For trim, try Mirage White (2116-70).
Room Preview
This photo shows walls only. Photos show the color in a real room's light; your own light will change it.
Suggested trim and ceiling are Benjamin Moore whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Black |
| LRV | 4.1 (dark; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #38393A |
| RGB | 56, 57, 58 |
| HSL | 210°, 2%, 22% |
About Black Tar
Black Tar (2126-10) is a true black from Benjamin Moore with almost no visible undertone. With an LRV of 4, Black Tar absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
Because its undertone is so subtle, Black Tar stays fairly consistent between north- and south-facing rooms. It's a good fit for accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. It's very close to Mopboard Black (CW-680); you'd mostly see the difference side by side.
How Black Tar changes with the light
Black Tar is a deep color. In north-facing or dim rooms it reads darker and cozier; in south-facing rooms it shows more of its color. Either can work, depending on the mood you want.
North-facing rooms
Black Tar will read even deeper in north light: great for a cozy, enveloping room, less so if you want it bright.
East-facing rooms
Black Tar will look warmer and brighter in the morning and cooler and grayer by afternoon; check a sample at both times.
South-facing rooms
South light keeps Black Tar from feeling heavy, so deep colors work well here.
West-facing rooms
Black Tar looks cool in the morning and warms up in the golden late-afternoon light.
See Black Tar in real homes
Photos people have shared of Black Tar in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Black Tar equivalents in other brands
The closest color from each brand. ΔE (“delta E”) scores how different two colors look: under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall, over 5 is clearly different.
Sherwin-Williams
Very close · ΔE 1.6
Also close: Black Magic (ΔE 2.8)
Compare side by side →Farrow & Ball
Very close · ΔE 1.7
Also close: Black Blue (ΔE 3.3)
Compare side by side →Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Black Tar questions
What undertone does Black Tar have?
Black Tar is close to a true neutral, with almost no visible undertone. Because its undertone is so subtle, Black Tar stays fairly consistent between north- and south-facing rooms.
Is Black Tar a light or dark color?
Black Tar has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 4.1 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a very dark color. With an LRV of 4, Black Tar absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
What is the closest match to Black Tar in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Greenblack SW 6994 (very close, ΔE 1.6); Farrow & Ball: Pitch Black No.256 (very close, ΔE 1.7); Behr: Limousine Leather MQ5-05 (very close, ΔE 1.7). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Black Tar?
Try Mirage White (2116-70) on trim and Wedding Veil (2125-70) on the ceiling. Both are Benjamin Moore whites that share Black Tar's undertone.
Where does Black Tar work best?
Black Tar works well in accent walls, front doors, cabinetry and powder rooms. With an LRV of 4, Black Tar absorbs most light. It creates a dramatic, enveloping look and suits accent walls, cabinetry and well-lit rooms.
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