Dovetail SW 7018 is the lighter mid-gray with a greige undertone, sitting at LRV 26 and appearing as a composed warm gray on the wall.
Gauntlet Gray SW 7019 is the deeper warm charcoal with a brown-taupe undertone, sitting at LRV 17 and reading as a rich, deep neutral.
They are both Sherwin-Williams colors from the same gray family, just one step apart on the color strip. Dovetail is a classic mid-gray; Gauntlet Gray is a step deeper into charcoal territory. The 9-point LRV gap is clearly visible on the wall. Sample both on a photo of your room before you buy a gallon.
Dovetail and Gauntlet Gray are Sherwin-Williams neighboring grays that sit at the mid-to-deep end of the neutral spectrum. Dovetail (SW 7018) is a popular mid-gray with a greige undertone, dark enough for drama but light enough for daily living. Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) is the next step deeper, a warm charcoal that shows up as a substantial dark neutral. This is our side-by-side method for comparing paint colors applied to two Sherwin-Williams grays that are one step apart.
The numbers side by side
| Attribute | Dovetail SW 7018 | Gauntlet Gray SW 7019 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Mid warm gray, greige undertone | Deep warm charcoal, brown-taupe |
| LRV | 26 | ~17 |
| Approximate hex | #918879 | #5C574F |
| Undertone | Greige-gray, warm, composed | Brown-taupe, warm, charcoal |
| Loves | Living rooms, bedrooms, accent walls | Exterior trim, doors, dramatic spaces |
| Watch out for | Reading flat in low light | Reading too dark for small rooms |
| Overall vibe | Composed, warm mid-gray | Rich, deep warm charcoal |
Try it on your house
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The LRV values above are the brands' published figures. Hex and RGB are approximate screen renderings that vary by display; always confirm with a physical sample before buying.
Upload one photo, get a photorealistic render, then swap to Gauntlet Gray in one click. Free, no signup.
Room by room, exposure by exposure
| Situation | Usual winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| North-facing room | Dovetail | The LRV 26 keeps it readable in dim light; Gauntlet Gray at 17 can read as a dark mass. |
| Bright south room | Gauntlet Gray | Strong sun brings out the brown-taupe warmth and keeps the charcoal from fading to gray. |
| Accent wall | Gauntlet Gray | The deeper LRV creates a more dramatic backdrop that anchors the room. |
| Living room walls | Dovetail | The mid-gray depth adds character without making the room feel like a cave. |
| Exterior trim or doors | Gauntlet Gray | The warm charcoal holds its depth in outdoor light and pairs well with most siding colors. |
| Home library | Gauntlet Gray | The deep, rich warmth creates a cocooning atmosphere perfect for a study or den. |
Dovetail and Gauntlet Gray are one step apart on the Sherwin-Williams strip, and the 9-point LRV gap is the main consideration. Dovetail is a mid-gray with greige warmth; Gauntlet Gray is a deep charcoal with brown-taupe richness. For related comparisons, see our Dorian Gray vs Gauntlet Gray guide.
When to choose Dovetail
- You want a mid-gray that is dark enough for character but not heavy.
- Your room gets mixed light where the LRV 26 keeps the gray readable and composed.
- You prefer a greige-gray warmth over a straight charcoal.
- You are painting living room or bedroom walls and want to add depth.
When to choose Gauntlet Gray
- You want a warm, deep charcoal that reads as a substantial dark neutral.
- Your room gets strong natural light where the LRV 17 feels rich, not black.
- You are painting an accent wall, exterior trim, or a dramatic interior space.
- You prefer a deep warm charcoal over a mid-gray. For the full breakdown, see our Mindful Gray vs Dorian Gray guide.
One photo, two colors, your actual lighting. Free and takes about 30 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dovetail and Gauntlet Gray?
The main difference is depth. Dovetail SW 7018 has an LRV of 26 and a greige undertone, reading as a composed warm mid-gray. Gauntlet Gray SW 7019 has an LRV of about 17 and a brown-taupe undertone, reading as a deep warm charcoal. They are both Sherwin-Williams and neighbors on the same color strip.
Which is darker, Dovetail or Gauntlet Gray?
Gauntlet Gray is darker. Its LRV is about 17, compared with 26 for Dovetail. That 9-point gap is clearly visible: Dovetail reads as a mid-gray while Gauntlet Gray reads as a deep charcoal.
Do Dovetail and Gauntlet Gray have the same undertones?
Both are warm grays, but with different intensity. Dovetail has a greige undertone that gives it a soft, warm quality. Gauntlet Gray has a brown-taupe undertone that makes it richer and more substantial. Both are warm, but Gauntlet Gray is more intense.
Can I see both colors on my own wall before I buy paint?
Yes. Upload one photo of your room to FacadeColorizer, get a photorealistic render in Dovetail, then swap to Gauntlet Gray in one click. You will see the depth difference on your actual wall. The first HD render and three color variations are free.
Your first HD render and 3 color swaps are free. Try Dovetail first, then Gauntlet Gray.
Trademark notice. Sherwin-Williams, Dovetail, and Gauntlet Gray are trademarks of The Sherwin-Williams Company. FacadeColorizer is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. Brand and color names are used descriptively (nominative fair use). Hex and RGB values are approximate digital renderings; the only authoritative reference is a physical paint sample.
Trademarks mentioned (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Caparol, Brillux, Sto, Alpina, Valspar, PPG, Glidden, Dulux, Crown Trade, Sandtex, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone's, Leyland) are property of their respective owners. FacadeColorizer is independent and not affiliated with any of them. Nominative fair use under Lanham Act §1125.
