Garage walls face a tough job. They endure oil stains, mud splatters, and daily grime. Grey paint offers a practical solution to this common problem, hiding dirt while maintaining a clean look longer than other colors.
In this article, we’ll examine the top 9 grey paint colors that effectively mask dirt and stains on garage walls. We’ll compare different shades and finishes, from light to dark grey options, and share practical maintenance tips to keep your garage looking clean.
After testing numerous paints across various garage environments, we can confidently recommend options that work in real-world conditions. Our selections focus on paints that balance dirt-hiding ability with good coverage and reasonable cost.
Looking for a garage paint that won’t show every smudge and mark? You’re in the right place. Let’s find the perfect grey that will make your garage walls look good for years, even with minimal cleaning.
Top 9 Grey Paint Colors That Hide Dirt Well
After testing dozens of options in real garages, I’ve found these nine grey paints stand out for keeping walls looking clean, even when they’re not.
1. Sherwin-Williams Dorian Gray (SW 7017)
This medium-toned grey has subtle warm undertones that work like magic on scuffs and everyday wear. What I love about Dorian Gray is how it creates a cozy feel while still being practical.
Technical specs:
- LRV: 39 (absorbs enough light to hide marks while still brightening your space)
- RGB: 176, 171, 160
- VOC: Low VOC option available in their Duration Home line (<50 g/L)
Price point: $45-65 per gallon (premium price range)
- Often on sale during Sherwin-Williams’ 30-40% off events
- Higher cost but excellent coverage means fewer coats
Best finishes:
- Satin: My top pick for balanced durability and subtle sheen
- Eg-Shel: Good for less-trafficked areas
- Semi-gloss: Best where you need maximum washability
You’ll notice it handles fingerprints well, especially in a satin finish. It costs more than some options, but the coverage is worth every penny.
Pairing suggestions: This grey works great with white trim (try SW Extra White) for clean contrast. For a cohesive look, match it with light wood tones or metal cabinets with a brushed nickel finish. The warm undertones also complement concrete floors with tan or amber sealers.
2. Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168)
Chelsea Gray is a rich, deeper grey that hides dust and dirt like no other. I’ve seen this color perform well in garages that see heavy use.
Technical specs:
- LRV: 22 (low light reflection means excellent dirt-hiding capability)
- RGB: 124, 119, 112
- VOC: Zero VOC in their Natura line; low VOC (<50 g/L) in other formulations
Price point: $50-80 per gallon (premium price range)
- Benjamin Moore’s Aura line costs more but offers superior durability
- Ben Line provides a more budget-friendly option at $40-45 per gallon
- Worth investing in their higher-end formulas for high-traffic garages
Best finishes:
- Eggshell: Ideal balance of washability and subtle sheen
- Matte: Good for hiding wall imperfections, but less washable
- Pearl: More durable, but shows wall flaws more readily
The depth gives it excellent dirt-hiding powers. You might need fewer touch-ups throughout the year, saving you time and effort. It pairs nicely with both white trim and metal fixtures.
Pairing suggestions: For a striking contrast, match Chelsea Gray with bright white trim (BM Simply White) or softer off-whites. This darker grey creates a strong backdrop for stainless steel workbenches or shelving. It also looks great with polished concrete floors or epoxy coatings in light gray or tan. For a modern look, try adding accents in a muted blue or green.
3. Behr Natural Gray (PPU18-10)
Here’s a truly balanced grey that’s neither too warm nor too cool. Natural Gray creates a clean backdrop that works well with concrete floors and metal storage systems.
Technical specs:
- LRV: 31 (middle-range reflectance that balances visibility and dirt-hiding)
- RGB: 159, 157, 151
- VOC: Low VOC (<50 g/L) in their Premium Plus Ultra line
Price point: $30-45 per gallon (mid-range price)
- Home Depot often runs paint sales, bringing the price down further
- Good value for quality, with better coverage than budget brands
- Sample sizes are available for $4-5 to test before committing
Best finishes:
- Satin: My recommendation for most garage walls
- Eggshell: Good for less-used areas
- Semi-gloss: Best for areas that need frequent cleaning
This paint is my go-to recommendation for first-time garage painters. It’s forgiving during application and doesn’t show roller marks easily.
Pairing suggestions: Natural Gray is versatile and works with almost any accent color. Try pairing it with black hardware for a crisp look, or with natural wood tones for warmth. For floor colors, it matches well with both gray and tan concrete stains. I find it looks especially good with weathered wood shelving or cabinets. For trim, both pure white and off-white work equally well with this balanced grey.
4. Glidden Granite Grey
Need a budget-friendly option? Glidden Granite Grey delivers exceptional value. This deeper tone:
- Hides grime and small stains
- Dries faster than most premium paints
- Requires fewer coats for good coverage
Technical specs:
- LRV: 17 (very low reflectance for maximum dirt concealment)
- RGB: 105, 102, 99
- VOC: Low VOC (<50 g/L) in standard formulation
Price point: $20-30 per gallon (budget-friendly)
- Often on sale at home improvement stores
- One of the best values in paint for garage use
- 5-gallon buckets available for larger projects at better per-gallon rates
Best finishes:
- Semi-gloss: Ideal for garage walls that need regular cleaning
- Satin: Good balance of durability and appearance
- Flat: Cheapest option but harder to clean (best for ceilings)
You’ll save both time and money with this solid performer.
Pairing suggestions: This dark grey creates drama when paired with bright whites or light grays. It works well as an accent wall behind tool benches or beside garage doors. For a coordinated look, match it with concrete floors sealed in clear or light gray. The dark tone creates a strong foundation for red tool chests or storage containers, making your equipment pop against the walls. Consider using it with galvanized metal shelves for an industrial look.
5. Valspar Filtered Shade
This cool-toned grey brings a modern, clean look to your garage. I recommend this shade for spaces with industrial elements like metal shelving or workbenches.
Technical specs:
- LRV: 27 (moderate light absorption for good dirt-hiding with decent visibility)
- RGB: 139, 142, 144
- VOC: Zero VOC available in their Simplicity line; low VOC (<50 g/L) in standard formulations
Price point: $30-45 per gallon (mid-range price)
- Frequently on sale at Lowe’s with 30-35% discounts
- Their mid-tier options offer good value
- Sign up for their emails to catch the best sales
Best finishes:
- Eggshell: Best all-around option for garage walls
- Satin: Good where more durability is needed
- Semi-gloss: Best for trim or areas prone to grease splatter
Filtered Shade holds up well against dust and small oil spots. The cool undertone helps mask yellowing that can happen near chemical storage areas.
Pairing suggestions: The cool undertones of Filtered Shade work beautifully with silver, chrome, and stainless steel elements. For a contemporary look, pair it with concrete floors in blue-gray or slate tones. White cabinets look crisp against this wall color, creating a clean workshop feel. You might also try adding small accents in teal or navy blue to bring out the cool tones in this paint.
6. Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
If your garage gets good natural light, Stonington Gray offers a lighter option that still performs well. It’s slightly cool but not cold, creating a bright space that still hides minor dirt.
Technical specs:
- LRV: 59 (higher reflectance brightens spaces but still masks some dirt)
- RGB: 193, 191, 187
- VOC: Zero VOC in their Natura line; low VOC (<50 g/L) in other formulations
Price point: $45-75 per gallon (premium price range)
- Benjamin Moore offers different lines at varying price points:
- Ben line ($45-50): Good but less durable
- Regal Select ($55-65): Better durability and coverage
- Aura ($70-75): Premium performance, fewer coats needed
- Often worth paying more for better performance in a garage setting
Best finishes:
- Semi-gloss: Best for lighter colors in garages for easy cleaning
- Pearl: Good middle ground between eggshell and semi-gloss
- Eggshell: Okay for ceilings or less-used walls
You’ll want to use a washable finish with this lighter color. Semi-gloss works best for easy cleaning.
Pairing suggestions: This lighter grey creates a fresh, airy feel when paired with white ceiling and trim (try BM White Dove for a soft look). It serves as a neutral backdrop that makes colored storage bins or tool organizers stand out. For flooring, it pairs well with darker gray concrete or epoxy coatings to create contrast. Try adding black metal fixtures or hardware to anchor the lighter walls with some visual weight.
7. Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015)
This soft grey leans slightly toward greige (grey + beige), giving your walls warmth without going too light. Repose Gray is versatile and works in both modern and traditional settings.
Technical specs:
- LRV: 58 (higher reflectance brightens the space while warm undertones still mask dirt)
- RGB: 204, 201, 192
- VOC: Low VOC option available in their Harmony line (<50 g/L)
Price point: $45-65 per gallon (premium price range)
- Wait for their 30-40% off sales, which happen regularly
- Consider their mid-tier SuperPaint line for garage use
- Duration Home offers the best washability but costs more
Best finishes:
- Satin: Best all-around option for this color
- Eg-Shel: Lower sheen but still somewhat washable
- Semi-gloss: Good for high-moisture garages or trim
The balanced undertone helps hide both warm-toned dirt (like rust or wood dust) and cooler-toned marks.
Pairing suggestions: Repose Gray’s warm undertones work wonderfully with wood cabinets and storage solutions. For a cohesive look, pair it with tan or buff-colored concrete floors. The warmth in this grey also makes it ideal for garages with copper or bronze hardware and fixtures. For trim, try SW Pure White for contrast or SW Alabaster for a softer transition. This color also looks great with natural stone elements if your garage features those.
8. Behr Anonymous (PPU18-20)
For busy garages that see lots of action, this stronger mid-to-dark grey is a workhorse. Behr Anonymous:
- Conceals scuffs from moving equipment
- Stands up to occasional cleaning without fading
- Creates a solid background for tool organization systems
Technical specs:
- LRV: 15 (very low reflectance for maximum dirt and scuff concealment)
- RGB: 102, 99, 95
- VOC: Low VOC (<50 g/L) in their Premium Plus Ultra line
Price point: $30-45 per gallon (mid-range price)
- Premium Plus Ultra line offers the best durability
- Upgrade to Marquee line ($40-50) for one-coat coverage
- Watch for sales at Home Depot, which happen monthly
Best finishes:
- Eggshell: Good balance of durability and subtlety
- Satin: More washable for busy garages
- Flat: Only use for ceilings or walls that won’t need cleaning
This is a practical choice for working garages, not just parking spaces.
Pairing suggestions: This darker grey creates a professional workshop look when paired with brushed metal or aluminum accessories. It makes a great backdrop for bright tool storage systems in red, blue, or yellow. For flooring, try a lighter gray or tan concrete to create contrast and keep the space from feeling too dark. White pegboard or slatwall systems pop against this color and make tools easy to find. Consider adding task lighting with this darker shade to maintain good visibility in work areas.
9. PPG Swirling Smoke
This misty, muted cool grey brings a modern feel while hiding dirt effectively. The slightly blue undertone creates a clean look that camouflages most garage grime.
Technical specs:
- LRV: 35 (moderate light reflectance balances visibility with dirt-hiding)
- RGB: 152, 155, 158
- VOC: Zero VOC available in their Pure Performance line; low VOC (<50 g/L) in other formulations
Price point: $35-55 per gallon (mid-to-premium range)
- Pure Performance line offers the best value
- Timeless and Manor Hall lines cost more but offer superior durability
- Often available at specialty paint stores with good color matching
Best finishes:
- Satin: My recommendation for this specific color
- Eggshell: Good for a more subtle sheen
- Semi-gloss: Best where maximum washability is needed
I’ve found this color particularly good at hiding cobwebs and dust in ceiling corners. It works well in both eggshell and satin finishes.
Pairing suggestions: The cool blue undertones of Swirling Smoke create a clean, contemporary look when paired with black metal fixtures or cabinets. It complements concrete floors with blue-gray or slate finishes. For a cohesive garage workshop, pair it with stainless steel workbenches and silver or aluminum tool storage. Consider adding small pops of orange or rusty red as accents to bring warmth to this cooler grey space-these warm accents will stand out nicely against the cool background.
Final Thoughts
Grey paint hides dirt while creating a clean backdrop for garage items. Consider your lighting, usage patterns, and existing features when choosing.
Darker greys like Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray hide dirt best, while medium tones like Dorian Gray offer better versatility.
Always test 2-3 samples on different walls before committing. Colors change with lighting and time of day. This small step prevents costly mistakes.
FAQs
What’s the best finish to hide dirt on garage walls?
Satin or semi-gloss finishes hide dirt best on garage walls. They’re washable yet don’t show every imperfection like high-gloss options do.
Does dark grey work better than light grey for dirt?
Dark grey hides dirt and scuffs much better than light grey. Medium-toned greys offer a good balance between dirt-hiding ability and maintaining visibility.
Can grey paint cover up stains or old marks?
Grey paint alone won’t cover stains. Always use stain-blocking primer first, then apply two coats of grey paint for complete coverage.
How long does grey paint typically last in a garage?
Quality grey paint in a garage typically lasts 5-7 years before needing repainting. High-traffic areas may need touch-ups sooner.
