Paint Color Review: Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore 7069


Does Iron Ore Have a Color or “Undertone?”

When most people ask about “undertones” what they’re actually referring to is a color’s hue family. Hue family describes a color’s location on a specific segment of the color wheel (red, yellow, blue, etc.). Hue family is not subjective or based on opinion; it can be objectively and scientifically calculated. A color’s hue family is determined by the measurement of that color’s dominant hue angle using color measurement tools, like colorimeters and spectrophotometers.

Iron Ore has a hue angle of 131.887° which puts it in the Green-Yellow hue family. All colors, even those that seem neutral, belong to a hue family.

Determining a paint color’s hue family helps us better understand and predict how that color will render on the wall and interact with nearby colors. This is why Iron Ore may flash slightly green when used on exteriors where there’s tons of light. This oh-so-subtle green can also show up just a bit on interior walls that get direct hits of bright sunlight or when used on cabinets or trim painted with a more reflective sheen. But in most cases, people just see a nice soft black paint color.


Hue family is not always obvious, especially when it comes to neutral colors. In our Virtual Color Consultation Reports, we use spectral data, like hue angle and chroma, to give you an objective, scientific read on color. No random, subjective guessing about “undertones!”


What is the LRV of Iron Ore?



Which White Trim Color Goes with Iron Ore?




What Other Paint Colors Go Well With Iron Ore?

Iron Ore looks great when paired with other colors from similar hue families (the Yellow-Green, Yellow, and Green hue families). Many popular near neutrals and earth tones fall into these categories! Don’t pair Iron Ore with colors from the Blue hue family. This includes cool, blue-toned grays and other tricky near-neutrals in the Blue family.


What Other Paint Colors are Similar to Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore?

I never, ever recommend color matching between brands. I have seen clients do this for any number of reasons (to save a little money, their contractor will only work with a specific brand, lack of access, etc.). But the bottom line is that you cannot color match between brands and expect to get identical results.

You may get really close. You may even get a color you can live with if you’re lucky. But with color matching, there are no guarantees because different brands use different formulas, bases, and proprietary pigments. Ultimately, it will be a different product.


Need Help Choosing a Color?


Order Your Virtual Color Consultation Report Today!

Whether you’re looking for a complete refresh of your space, experimenting with a new style, or just need a little professional guidance to help narrow down your paint color choices, our online color consultations can help!



Published by Vannessa Rhoades, Three Bears Home Staging

Vannessa Rhoades is the author of "Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging" and the founder of the award-winning firm, Three Bears Home Staging®. She specializes in providing positive and empowering consultations to help homeowners sell more quickly and for more money. Vannessa has staged and consulted on hundreds of properties, both in person throughout the Houston metro area and virtually across the country.

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