Black Magic and Tricorn Black: the documented difference
Black Magic and Tricorn Black both have a published LRV of 3. That equality describes reflectance, not matching colorants or identical undertones. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Black Magic and Tricorn Black share the same LRV, so a claimed brightness advantage would be unsupported. Tricorn Black is described by Sherwin-Williams as a true black without an undertone.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Black Magic | Sherwin-Williams SW-6991 | 3 |
| Tricorn Black | Sherwin-Williams SW-6258 | 3 |
The choice beside warm white plaster and brass
Warm plaster and brass provide a reason to compare Black Magic's slight warmth, using authentic samples rather than the numerical tie alone.
Set up both candidates with warm white plaster and brass. Use equal-sized boards with the intended finishes and place them in the same orientation. Do not put one directly beside a window and leave the other in shadow. A difference that follows the position rather than the board is a lighting observation, not evidence that the formula changed.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
For a second point of reference, Caviar is recorded at LRV 3.
Test it directly against Tricorn Black; equal LRV does not mean an identical color impression. Assess Black Magic and Tricorn Black alone as well as side by side. The unchosen board will not remain in the finished room, and a preference created only by that neighbor may not survive its removal. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Sherwin-Williams Black Magic SW-6991. The recorded LRV is 3. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
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.