Arctic Seal CSP-15 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication and serenity, Benjamin Moore’s Arctic Seal (CSP-15) might just be your perfect match. This mid-tone gray, with its subtle purple undertones, is a chameleon in the best way—adaptable to different lighting conditions and decor styles while maintaining a quiet, calming presence. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or tackling an open-concept space, Arctic Seal has the versatility to make your vision come to life.

One of the standout qualities of Arctic Seal is its ability to create a soothing atmosphere. It’s not just gray—it’s a thoughtful blend of cool and warm, with just enough depth to avoid feeling flat. The purple undertone adds a layer of richness, making it feel more dynamic than your average neutral. In natural light, those warm notes come forward, giving the color a soft, inviting glow. In lower light, it holds onto its serene, almost meditative quality, making it ideal for bedrooms or cozy reading nooks.

When it comes to application, Arctic Seal is beginner-friendly. It brushes on smoothly and rolls out evenly, so you won’t have to worry about streaks or patchiness. Most spaces will only need one or two coats for full, even coverage, especially if you’re painting over a similar shade. If your walls are currently a bold or deep color, a primer might help, but Arctic Seal’s pigmentation does a great job of holding its own. And because it’s a low-VOC paint, you won’t have to deal with harsh fumes, making it a practical choice for homes with kids, pets, or anyone sensitive to strong odors.

Choosing the right finish is just as important as picking the color itself. For walls, matte or eggshell finishes will give Arctic Seal a soft, velvety look, perfect for creating that tranquil vibe. If you’re using it in a high-traffic area like a hallway or dining room, satin is a smart choice—it’s more durable and easier to wipe clean. And don’t forget about trim! Arctic Seal pairs beautifully with crisp whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, but it also works with warmer or cooler trim colors, depending on the mood you’re going for.

Decorating around Arctic Seal is where the fun really begins. Its muted, earthy tone makes it a fantastic backdrop for both bold and understated accents. If you want to lean into its purple undertones, try pairing it with soft lavender textiles or deep plum throw pillows. For contrast, bring in touches of its complementary hue—yellow—through artwork, ceramics, or even a mustard-colored armchair. If you prefer a more neutral palette, layer in creamy whites, warm woods, and black metal finishes for a modern Scandinavian look. And because it’s such a balanced gray, it plays well with both cool and warm metals, so you can mix brass, chrome, or matte black fixtures without hesitation.

Lighting will play a big role in how Arctic Seal shows up in your space. With an LRV of 16.32%, it reflects very little light, which means it’ll feel cozy and intimate rather than bright and airy. That makes it a great choice for rooms where you want to cultivate a restful mood, like bedrooms or home offices. But if your space gets a lot of natural light, don’t be surprised if the color shifts slightly throughout the day, revealing those warm undertones in the sunlight and settling into a cooler, more neutral gray in the evening.

A few things to keep in mind: Arctic Seal can appear darker in rooms with limited light, so if you’re working with a small or shadowy space, test a swatch first to make sure it doesn’t feel too heavy. And while its versatility is a strength, pairing it with the wrong colors could make it feel dull—stick to contrasting textures and finishes to keep things interesting.

So, is Arctic Seal the right choice for your next project? If you’re looking for a color that’s equal parts calming and sophisticated, with just enough depth to keep things interesting, the answer is probably yes. It’s a classic for a reason—timeless enough to stand the test of time but nuanced enough to feel fresh. Whether you’re painting an accent wall in your living room or giving your entire home office a moody makeover, Arctic Seal is a shade you won’t regret inviting into your space.

Real Room Photo of Arctic Seal CSP-15

Undertones of  Arctic Seal ?

The undertones of Arctic Seal are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Purple. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #6C6B6D

RGB code: 108, 107, 109

Is  Arctic Seal Cool or Warm?

Arctic Seal has a balanced tone that can read warm in certain lights, yet it retains a cool essence as well. This duality allows for a flexible approach to decorating, accommodating various color palettes without overwhelming the senses.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Arctic Seal

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Arctic Seal

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Arctic Seal is 16.32%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Arctic Seal

Arctic Seal is a versatile paint that truly shines in various settings. Its sophisticated gray tone offers flexibility, allowing it to blend seamlessly with both contemporary and traditional decor styles. When applied, it provides a smooth finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. The color’s ability to adapt to changing light throughout the day is particularly impressive, making it a fantastic choice for rooms with varying natural light. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy retreat or a polished professional look, Arctic Seal delivers beautifully. It’s also worth noting that it pairs exceptionally well with both warm and cool accents, making your decor choices even easier.

Pros & Cons of  CSP-15 Arctic Seal

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Arctic Seal

FAQ on CSP-15 Arctic Seal

How many coats of Arctic Seal should I apply?

For the best results, you should plan for 1 to 2 coats of Arctic Seal. The coverage is generally good with one coat, but a second coat can enhance richness and depth, especially in areas with less natural light or where the previous color is more vibrant.

Is Arctic Seal suitable for high-traffic areas?

Yes, Arctic Seal can be used in high-traffic areas, provided you choose a finish that offers durability. Satin and eggshell finishes are great options for these spaces, as they are more resistant to scuffs and marks, making them easier to clean.

Comparisons Arctic Seal with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Arctic Seal CSP-15