Gunmetal #2A3439
Gunmetal is a very dark blue-gray with hex code #2A3439. It is cool, low in saturation and slightly darker than charcoal, with the dull look of tarnished metal. The name comes from gunmetal, a bronze alloy once cast into cannons, and it suggests machinery, armor and stormy steel.
There is no CSS gunmetal keyword. #2A3439 is a common value; car paints and finishes called gunmetal are often lighter, metallic grays.
| HEX | #2A3439 | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | rgb(42, 52, 57) | |
| HSL | hsl(200, 15%, 19%) | |
| HSV | hsv(200, 26%, 22%) | |
| CMYK | cmyk(26%, 9%, 0%, 78%) |
Text on Gunmetal
White text reads better on Gunmetal. Ratios use the WCAG 2 formula: 4.5:1 passes AA for body text, 3:1 passes for large text.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Colors that go with Gunmetal
Gunmetal tints and shades
Tints mix Gunmetal with white, shades mix it with black, in 15% steps. Copy any code, or open the tint and shade generator for a full scale.
Tints
Shades
Gunmetal color schemes
Color-wheel harmonies built by rotating the hue of #2A3439 and keeping its saturation and lightness.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split complementary
Tetradic
Gunmetal color meaning
Gunmetal takes its name from a type of bronze historically used for cannons, and the color is often linked with the dark finish on gun barrels. It carries an industrial, hard-wearing character. The same alloy was used for valves, gears and other machine parts, so the name points to engineering as much as weaponry.
It reads as tough, modern and technical. Cars, watches, tools and electronics use gunmetal finishes to look strong and precise without the shine of chrome. Watch and car makers often offer a gunmetal option as the more understated choice beside polished steel.
Compared with black, it feels more mechanical and less formal. Beyond that industrial link it has few cultural meanings, though it often appears on products marketed as rugged or performance-focused. Some people find it cold, and others find it calm and focused.
How to use Gunmetal in design
Gunmetal suits automotive, tech, gaming, fitness and outdoor brands. It works as a dark-mode background or header color, with white, light gray or bright accent text reading clearly on it. Dark text disappears. Accents like electric blue, orange or lime look sharp against it. In UI, it suits sidebars, nav bars and code editors that need a dark surface softer than pure black.
In interiors, gunmetal appears in hardware, lighting, steel furniture and cabinetry. In fashion, it is popular for watches, jewelry and outerwear.
Palettes with Gunmetal tones
Curated palettes with a color close to #2A3439.
Colors similar to Gunmetal
Work with Gunmetal
Gunmetal FAQ
What is the difference between gunmetal and charcoal?
Both are dark blue-grays and look close on screen. Gunmetal (#2A3439) is a little darker, while charcoal (#36454F) is slightly lighter with a touch more color. The names carry different moods: gunmetal sounds industrial and technical, charcoal sounds softer and more tailored.
Is gunmetal gray or blue?
Gunmetal is a gray with a cool blue tint. In most designs it reads as a dark gray, but next to a neutral gray or black, the blue becomes visible. That cool cast is what makes it look like steel instead of soot or ink.