What Caviar SW-6990 actually brings to the palette
Caviar is a cool black with the same published LRV as several other very dark blacks. The Caviar SW-6990 manufacturer reference supplies the color identity and published specifications.
Caviar, Black Magic and Tricorn Black share a published LRV while carrying different manufacturer temperature descriptions.
Use Sherwin-Williams and the complete code SW-6990 when ordering a sample. The working question is equal numbers, different black samples. A broad family name cannot settle the relationship with white tile and brushed steel.
Before ordering boards, organize Caviar and alternatives such as Tricorn Black with the comparison chips on paintcolorvisualizer.com. Keep the brands and codes attached to the shortlist, then compare physical samples beside white tile and brushed steel.
Digital reference · LRV 3
Digital reference · LRV 3
Digital reference · LRV 3
Caviar, Tricorn Black or Black Magic?
Caviar and Tricorn Black both have a published LRV of 3. That equality describes reflectance, not matching colorants or identical undertones.
Sherwin-Williams Black Magic SW-6991 provides another reference at LRV 3. These are separate colors to compare, not promised formula matches. Keep the samples at equal size and orientation, then cover each alternative in turn so the preferred paint is also judged alone.
The color reference at Coloraw Caviar SW-6990 can help organize the undertone questions for Caviar. For this review, the practical check is the relationship with white tile and brushed steel; the digital reference does not replace that material comparison.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Caviar | Sherwin-Williams SW-6990 | 3 |
| Tricorn Black | Sherwin-Williams SW-6258 | 3 |
| Black Magic | Sherwin-Williams SW-6991 | 3 |
Equal numbers, different black samples
Caviar is a cool black with the same published LRV as several other very dark blacks. The useful starting point for this review is white tile and brushed steel. This is a proposal for assessing the color, not a claim that it has been tested in your home.
Put Caviar, Tricorn Black and the fixed metal in one light; the shared LRV cannot make the choice for you.
Plan how much of the room should carry Caviar with Paintuma Paint Color Visualizer, keeping white tile and brushed steel visible in the scene. Compare the main wall, trim and cabinet areas before buying samples, and use the physical boards to approve the color.
How much separation should Caviar create?
Caviar and Tricorn Black both have a published LRV of 3. That equality describes reflectance, not matching colorants or identical undertones. The values provide a starting comparison, not a prediction of how bright the finished room will feel.
For white tile and brushed steel, decide whether the painted surface should form a clear boundary or a softer transition. View the trial from the entrance as well as close up. A subtle difference between samples can be worthwhile if it makes the permanent finishes sit together more comfortably.
A palette with Caviar in a defined role
The manufacturer's coordinating suggestions include Snowbound SW7004, Taupe Tone SW7633 and Oh Pistachio SW9033. These are separate named colors to sample, not interchangeable formulas. For the material direction considered here—white tile and brushed steel—choose which surface each candidate would occupy before deciding that the whole set belongs in the room.
Choose the main painted surface before assigning trim and accent colors. In the white tile and brushed steel direction, let the largest fixed surface set the constraint. Compare unequal sample areas that reflect the intended room, rather than assuming three equal paint chips describe the finished balance.
LRV 3: the light question for Caviar
At 3, Caviar belongs to the very deep end of this shortlist. On a wall, plan for substantial shadow and test whether the intended hue is still distinguishable from a near-black impression. Pale neighboring surfaces are a design option, not a way of changing the paint's reflectance.
Check the window wall, a shaded return and the room under its usual lamps. Keep white tile and brushed steel together as you move the sample. Record which relationship changes; a different phone exposure is not evidence that the paint will behave differently.
Where to test Caviar before repeating it
Start with the room where white tile and brushed steel is most important to the design. On cabinets, place a board under the countertop overhang; in a bedroom, inspect it with the bedside lamps; in a living room, read the wall from the entrance with the main upholstery visible.
At 3, Caviar belongs to the very deep end of this shortlist. On a wall, plan for substantial shadow and test whether the intended hue is still distinguishable from a near-black impression. Pale neighboring surfaces are a design option, not a way of changing the paint's reflectance. If the principal room passes, repeat the check at connecting doorways before adopting one color throughout the house. Different floors and factory whites may require a related palette rather than identical walls.
Keep the color identity on the specification
Caviar is a cool black with the same published LRV as several other very dark blacks.
Record Sherwin-Williams, Caviar and SW-6990 together. A shared name, similar screen values or the same LRV does not establish an interchangeable paint formula. Approve the authentic sample and the intended coating rather than relying on shorthand on the purchase list.
The final sample decision for Caviar
Put Caviar, Tricorn Black and the fixed metal in one light; the shared LRV cannot make the choice for you.
Label the board Sherwin-Williams Caviar SW-6990, apply and dry it according to the product directions, and approve it in the intended finish. Keep the failed condition in your notes as well as the successful view. Color choice does not specify cabinet preparation, bathroom suitability or an exterior coating system. The paint color visualizer roundup compares tools for planning the painted areas before the physical trial.
Sources & notes
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Sherwin-Williams does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.