Best Dupes for Tar
Tar is a soft off-black. Near-blacks highlight brushmarks on trim, so decorators want self-leveling paints with great coverage. The best dupes stay inky, cure hard, and touch up without showing lap marks.
Dupes for Tar
| Brand ▲ | Colour ▲ | Rating ▲ | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Greene | Vulcan | 2 ⭐ | |
| Dulux Trade | Noble Grey | 1 ⭐ | |
| Fired Earth | Top Hat | 1 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Black Widow | 2 ⭐ | |
| PPG / Johnstone's | Zombie | 1 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Cracked Pepper | 3 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Space Black | 2 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Satin Black | 2 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Carbon Copy | 2 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Orion Gray | 2 ⭐ | |
| Behr | Shadow Mountain | 2 ⭐ |
Understanding Tar
Tar is a soft off-black. It sits comfortably alongside Smelt Black or Pitch Black, so your palette stays cohesive even when you change sheens or substrates.
Pair it with polished brass, marble, and crisp whites so Tar flatters stair spindles and library cabinetry. Link it to Smelt Black or Pitch Black next door for a polished palette.
How to test Tar dupes
View boards under daylight and lamplight so Tar keeps its nuance next to Smelt Black and Pitch Black.
Always test the gloss or satin you plan to use so stair spindles can handle daily fingerprints.
Where Tar excels
The colour shines in stair spindles and library cabinetry, providing personality without overpowering neighbouring rooms. Layer it with tactile fabrics and thoughtful lighting to underline its nuance.
Carry the story further by echoing it with trims or accents in Smelt Black or Pitch Black; the subtle repetition keeps the whole home feeling intentional.
Tar vs Similar Shades
| Compared Colour | Relationship | When to choose it instead | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smelt Black | Inked | Pick for library cabinetry when you want maximum drama. | View colour |
| Paean Black | Warmer | Perfect for entry doors where a red undertone flatters brass. | View colour |
| Off-Black | Velvet | Great for stair spindles if you prefer a softer finish. | View colour |
| Railings | Blued | Choose for library cabinetry needing a steelier edge. | View colour |