Tricorn Black vs Iron Ore: Best Near-Black Choice
Short intro: Choosing between Tricorn Black and Iron Ore is about undertone, light, and function — not just “which is darker.”
This guide breaks down color codes, LRVs, real-world uses (interior/exterior/doors/cabinets), comparisons with Peppercorn and Urbane Bronze, plus pro pairing tips.
1) TRICORN BLACK VS IRON ORE
SEO snippet: Tricorn Black is a truer, very low-LRV black while Iron Ore is a deep charcoal with subtle warmth — choose by contrast desired and light conditions.
Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is Sherwin-Williams’ “true black” option, widely used where a neutral, no-undertone black is wanted; Iron Ore (SW 7069) is a near-black charcoal with enough reflectivity and subtle undertones to soften the look. Designers pick Tricorn Black when they want the darkest, cleanest black for trim, doors, or dramatic accents. Iron Ore is often chosen when a softer, slightly warmer near-black is preferred for larger surfaces or exteriors because it reads less flat than a pure black in changing light. sherwin-williams.com+1
LSI keywords: SW Tricorn Black, SW Iron Ore, true black paint, soft black charcoal, near-black paint.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: Are Tricorn Black and Iron Ore from the same family? — Yes, both are in Sherwin-Williams’ neutral/black family but differ in LRV and undertone. sherwin-williams.com+1
Q: Which is more “forgiving” on large walls? — Iron Ore typically reads less flat and can be more forgiving in larger areas.
External links (suggested anchor text + full URL + attributes):
- Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/sw6258-tricorn-black (target="_blank", rel="noopener") sherwin-williams.com
- Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/sw7069-iron-ore (target="_blank", rel="noopener") sherwin-williams.com
2) TRICORN BLACK VS IRON ORE — LRV & UNDERTONES
SEO snippet: Tricorn Black has an extremely low LRV (~2–3), Iron Ore sits higher (~6) — that small LRV gap changes how each reads in different light.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much visible light a color reflects (0 = pure black, 100 = pure white). Tricorn Black’s LRV is widely reported around 2–3, making it one of Sherwin-Williams’ darkest neutrals; Iron Ore’s LRV is around 6, giving it slightly more reflected light and visible depth. That ~3-point gap means Iron Ore will show more of its subtle undertones (some perceive a cool-gray or green-gray hint) while Tricorn tends to read as a straightforward, neutral black. Use Tricorn in high-contrast pairings or where dramatic definition is needed; use Iron Ore where you want depth without the “void” of a very low-LRV black. The Paint Color Project+1
LSI keywords: LRV Tricorn Black, Iron Ore LRV, paint undertones, light reflectance value.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: Will Iron Ore look different at night? — Yes — with slightly higher LRV it will show subtler undertones under artificial light. dailysplendor.com
Q: Is one better for small rooms? — Tricorn Black can make small rooms feel smaller; Iron Ore is usually friendlier in compact spaces.
External links:
- Tricorn Black LRV reference (sample & data) — https://www.myperfectcolor.com/paint/26915-sherwin-williams-sw6258-tricorn-black (target="_blank", rel="nofollow") MyPerfectColor.com
- Iron Ore LRV reference — https://www.myperfectcolor.com/paint/66247-sherwin-williams-sw7069-iron-ore (target="_blank", rel="nofollow") MyPerfectColor.com
3) SW TRICORN BLACK VS IRON ORE
SEO snippet: When specifying finishes, call them by SW code (SW 6258 & SW 7069) — manufacturers, sample cards, and sheen choices will impact final results.
Using the Sherwin-Williams codes (SW 6258 for Tricorn Black; SW 7069 for Iron Ore) ensures accurate matches across stores, sample chips, and digital visualizers. Finish (flat/matte/satin/semi-gloss) heavily alters perception: a satin or semi-gloss will bring out more depth and light bounce on both colors, while flat finishes mute reflections and emphasize the blackness. When ordering or specifying, always test with real samples in the exact finish and under your space’s light. Sherwin-Williams provides visualization tools and sample ordering for both colors. sherwin-williams.com+1
LSI keywords: SW 6258, SW 7069, paint sheen effect, Sherwin Williams color codes.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: Should you prime before applying these colors? — Yes, use a high-quality primer, especially when moving from light to very dark colors to reduce tinting coats.
Q: Do digital swatches match the paint? — They’re approximations — always order physical samples for final decision. sherwin-williams.com
External links:
- Sherwin-Williams color details & samples — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us (target="_blank", rel="noopener") sherwin-williams.com
4) TRICORN BLACK VS IRON ORE VS PEPPERCORN
SEO snippet: Peppercorn (SW 7674) sits between Iron Ore and lighter charcoals — choose Peppercorn for a softer “charcoal” that can read warm or cool.
Peppercorn (SW 7674) is another popular Sherwin-Williams dark neutral — often described as a deep charcoal with more visible texture/softness than Tricorn Black and slightly lighter or different than Iron Ore depending on lighting. Use Peppercorn when you want a dramatic color that still keeps a bit of softness and less “blackness” than Tricorn. Comparing all three: Tricorn = truest neutral black; Iron Ore = deep charcoal with subtle character; Peppercorn = deep charcoal that can feel cozy and slightly softer in large spaces. sherwin-williams.com+1
LSI keywords: Peppercorn SW 7674, soft black, charcoal paint, SW 7674 vs SW 7069.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: Which is most versatile? — Peppercorn and Iron Ore are often more versatile for walls; Tricorn is versatile for trim/doors. sherwin-williams.com
Q: Which hides imperfections? — Darker, lower-sheen finishes hide imperfections better; Peppercorn’s depth can help mask small flaws.
External links:
- Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/sw7674-peppercorn (target="_blank", rel="noopener") sherwin-williams.com
5) TRICORN BLACK VS IRON ORE INTERIOR DOORS
SEO snippet: For doors: Tricorn Black for bold contrast; Iron Ore for a softer, modern feel—consider adjacent wall color and light.
Interior doors are micro-canvases: painted in Tricorn Black, a door pops with high contrast (especially paired with crisp whites), and hardware reads more pronounced. Iron Ore doors feel sophisticated and more subtle — they’re excellent where you want a dark door but not the starkness of absolute black. For paneled doors, semi-gloss finishes highlight details (but also show imperfections), while satin finishes balance sheen and concealment. Test a door sample in place — small changes in light dramatically affect perceived undertone. sherwin-williams.com+1
LSI keywords: black interior doors, painted door finishes, Tricorn Black doors, Iron Ore doors.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: Will scuffs show more on Tricorn Black? — Possibly — higher contrast can show marks; choose finishes that are wipeable.
Q: Should trim and doors match? — Not required; contrasting black doors with lighter trim is a common, on-trend choice.
External links:
- Door finish advice (sample & sheen tips) — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/explore-by-room/doors-and-trim (target="_blank", rel="nofollow")
6) TRICORN BLACK VS IRON ORE EXTERIOR
SEO snippet: Exteriors: Iron Ore is often friendlier on large façades; Tricorn Black is dramatic for doors, shutters, or accent elements.
On exteriors, scale and sunlight matter. Tricorn Black can create a powerful visual statement but — because of its very low LRV — it can appear as a flat “hole” across large surfaces and absorb heat on sunny façades. Iron Ore, with a slightly higher LRV and subtle undertone, sits better on whole houses or expansive siding because it maintains depth and reads less severe. That said, Tricorn is perfect for front doors, trim, metalwork, or architectural details when used intentionally. Test full-size painted panels outdoors before committing. The Paint Color Project+1
LSI keywords: black exterior paint, Iron Ore exterior, Tricorn Black façade, exterior LRV considerations.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: Which is better for curb appeal? — Iron Ore often appeals to buyers seeking modern warmth; Tricorn Black makes bold, designer-led statements.
Q: Do dark exteriors affect cooling? — Dark colors absorb more heat; consider climate and material.
External links:
- Exterior color planning & samples — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/explore-by-room/exterior (target="_blank", rel="nofollow") sherwin-williams.com
7) TRICORN BLACK VS IRON ORE VS PEPPERCORN (DEEPER COMPARISON)
SEO snippet: Side-by-side: Tricorn = pure black; Iron Ore = near-black charcoal; Peppercorn = soft charcoal — pick by undertone and light.
When placed together: Tricorn reads the darkest and most neutral; Iron Ore shows more dimension and can hint at green/gray; Peppercorn tends toward a warmer charcoal. When testing, paint 18×24 inch panels and observe them across the day — morning, noon, evening, and under artificial light. Undertones reveal themselves most at dusk and under warm bulbs. That practical test is far more reliable than any photo or digital swatch. The Land of Color+1
LSI keywords: side by side paint comparison, Tricorn vs Peppercorn, Iron Ore undertone test.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: Which will pair best with warm wood tones? — Urbane Bronze or Iron Ore/ Peppercorn often pair better than stark Tricorn. sherwin-williams.com
Q: How many coats usually needed? — For dark colors, 2–3 coats plus primer are common for perfect coverage.
External links:
- Visual comparison & palettes — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/explore-by-color (target="_blank", rel="nofollow")
8) TRICORN BLACK VS IRON ORE VS URBANE BRONZE
SEO snippet: Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) brings warm, earthy depth compared to Tricorn’s neutrality and Iron Ore’s charcoal — use Urbane Bronze to ground palettes.
Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) was Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year (2021) and is a rich gray-brown that reads warmer and more organic than either Tricorn or Iron Ore. Pair Urbane Bronze with natural materials — wood, leather, stone — for a cozy, grounded look. If you want a modern earthy neutral instead of a near-black, Urbane Bronze is a strong alternative; for true-black contrast use Tricorn, and for near-black neutrality use Iron Ore. sherwin-williams.com+1
LSI keywords: Urbane Bronze SW 7048, warm neutral vs black, SW 7048 pairing.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: When to choose Urbane Bronze over Iron Ore? — If you want warmth and an organic palette rather than stark contrast. sherwin-williams.com
Q: Can Urbane Bronze be used on cabinets? — Yes — it makes a cozy, elegant cabinetry choice.
External links:
- Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/sw7048-urbane-bronze (target="_blank", rel="noopener") sherwin-williams.com
- Article on Color of the Year context — https://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/paint/2021-color-of-the-year/ (target="_blank", rel="nofollow") Better Homes & Gardens
9) IRON ORE VS TRICORN BLACK CABINETS
SEO snippet: Cabinets in Iron Ore feel layered and modern; Tricorn makes bolder, high-contrast cabinetry statements — both can work with good lighting and hardware choices.
Painted cabinets require forgiving colors that hold up to wear: Iron Ore’s slightly higher LRV and subtle undertone can feel rich and dimensional on cabinet faces, particularly in kitchens paired with brass or warm metallic hardware. Tricorn Black cabinets are striking and modern but will emphasize dust, fingerprints, and surface wear more noticeably — choose a durable satin or semi-gloss and plan maintenance. If you want drama, Tricorn is unbeatable; if you want drama plus warmth, Iron Ore is the softer choice. sherwin-williams.com+1
LSI keywords: black cabinets, Iron Ore kitchen cabinets, Tricorn Black kitchen, cabinet paint tips.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: Which hardware finishes pair best? — Warm brass or aged bronze pairs beautifully with Iron Ore; crisp chrome or matte black pairs with Tricorn.
Q: Do dark cabinets reduce perceived kitchen size? — They can; balance with lighter countertops, backsplashes, or open shelving.
External links:
- Cabinet finish & maintenance tips — https://www.houzz.com/magazine (target="_blank", rel="nofollow")
10) IRON ORE VS TRICORN BLACK EXTERIOR TRIM
SEO snippet: For exterior trim: Tricorn Black creates sharp definition; Iron Ore softens contrast and warms facades slightly — choose based on architecture and context.
Exterior trim in Tricorn Black provides crisp, modern definition against lighter siding (think white windows with black trim). Iron Ore on trim reads softer and integrates with darker siding tones without the starkness of pure black. When specifying exterior trim, test swatches against the actual siding and surrounding landscape because foliage and shadow change perception. Also consider durability and sheen: semi-gloss is traditionally used for trim for durability and easier cleaning. sherwin-williams.com+1
LSI keywords: exterior trim colors, black trim, Iron Ore trim, Tricorn Black exterior.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: Will black trim make a house look smaller? — High-contrast black trim can tighten the visual envelope — balance with lighter walls or larger windows.
Q: Best sheen for exterior trim? — Semi-gloss is classic for weather resistance and ease of cleaning.
External links:
- Exterior trim guidance — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/explore-by-room/exterior/trim (target="_blank", rel="nofollow")
11) PAINTING TIPS, PAIRS & PALETTES (HOW TO CHOOSE)
SEO snippet: Test full-size panels, consider LRV, choose finishes, and pair with coordinating neutrals or accents for best results.
How to choose practically: 1) order sample pots and paint 18×24" boards; 2) place boards against the actual wall and view at multiple times of day; 3) consider finish — trim and doors: satin/semi-gloss; walls: matte/eggshell; 4) coordinate with flooring and hardware — warm metals pair well with Iron Ore/Urbane Bronze, cool metals with Tricorn Black. Use accent colors (creams, greens, or warm woods) to lift dark palettes and avoid a heavy feel. Lighting design (warm vs cool bulbs) can swing a color’s perceived undertone dramatically. These steps reduce risk and increase satisfaction. sherwin-williams.com+1
LSI keywords: paint sample testing, LRV testing, paint finish tips, pairing dark paint.
Expanded FAQs:
Q: How many coats are typical for dark colors? — Usually 2 plus primer; tinted primer can reduce the number of finish coats.
Q: How to clean dark painted surfaces? — Use gentle soap and a microfiber cloth; semi-gloss cleans easiest.
External links:
- Sherwin-Williams sample & visualizer tools — https://samples.sherwin-williams.com/ (target="_blank", rel="nofollow") sherwin-williams.com
12) FAQS — EXPANDED (TRICORN BLACK VS IRON ORE)
SEO snippet: Answers to the top practical questions about choosing, applying, and living with Tricorn Black or Iron Ore.
Top FAQs (expanded):
Q1: Which is better resale-friendly — Tricorn Black or Iron Ore?
A1: Iron Ore tends to be more universally appealing for full walls and exteriors because it reads as charcoal, while Tricorn Black is a bolder designer choice often used for accents — both can be resale-friendly if used thoughtfully.
Q2: Will these colors fade outdoors?
A2: All paints fade slowly with sun exposure; proper surface prep, exterior grade products, and quality topcoats reduce fading.
Q3: Can I mix them in the same home?
A3: Absolutely — many schemes use Iron Ore for siding or cabinets and Tricorn for doors/trim to create hierarchy and focus.
Q4: Which undertone is most common in Iron Ore?
A4: Observers report subtle green-gray or neutral undertones depending on light — test in your space. dailysplendor.com
LSI keywords: paint FAQs, Tricorn Black questions, Iron Ore questions, best use cases.
External links:
- General paint FAQs & care — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/paint-care (target="_blank", rel="nofollow")
Conclusion
SEO snippet: Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is the truest neutral black — dramatic and crisp — while Iron Ore (SW 7069) is a deep, dimensional charcoal — softer and more forgiving.
Short wrap: Choose Tricorn for stark contrast and architectural definition; choose Iron Ore when you want depth with a softer touch. Test both in your light conditions and match sheen to function. sherwin-williams.com+1
NOVINTRADES — BRAND SECTION (BRAND-REINFORCING, NON-INTRUSIVE)
SEO snippet: NovinTrades supplies industrial and consumer paint, coatings, and related building finishes — visit for sourcing, product support, and trade resources.
NovinTrades (www.novintrades.com) provides industrial trade support, product listings, and market insights for coatings and building materials. If you’re specifying paint or need supply chain assistance for projects that require consistent color runs or bulk material sourcing, NovinTrades can be a useful supplier contact. SEO snippet: “NovinTrades — reliable sourcing for paints and coatings, specifications, and trade support.” LSI keywords: NovinTrades paint supplier, paint sourcing, coatings supplier, bulk paint procurement.
Encouragement to join Telegram: Join NovinTrades’ Telegram community for product updates, trade tips, and sample availability — an easy way to stay informed and ask quick questions about color matching and bulk orders.
Suggested external links (brand & social):
- NovinTrades — https://www.novintrades.com (target="_blank", rel="noopener")
- (https://t.me/novintrades)
AUTHOR’S NOTES & SOURCES (KEY REFERENCES)
Most load-bearing references used in this guide:
- Sherwin-Williams — Tricorn Black (SW 6258). sherwin-williams.com
- Sherwin-Williams — Iron Ore (SW 7069). sherwin-williams.com
- Sherwin-Williams — Peppercorn (SW 7674). sherwin-williams.com
- Sherwin-Williams — Urbane Bronze (SW 7048). sherwin-williams.com
- Color/LRV references (aggregated industry data): MyPerfectColor & paint review resources for LRV values and real-world notes. MyPerfectColor.com+1