Acier and Felted Wool: the documented difference
Acier has an LRV of 32; Sherwin-Williams Felted Wool SW-9171 is 28. The difference is 4 points, with Acier returning more light under the reference measurement. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Acier is deeper than Dorian Gray and lighter than Felted Wool, giving a practical intermediate gray-depth comparison. Felted Wool is a warm gray with a green undertone.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Acier | Sherwin-Williams SW-9170 | 32 |
| Felted Wool | Sherwin-Williams SW-9171 | 28 |
The choice beside cream walls and stainless steel
Stainless steel is reflective and changes with the surroundings; a medium-gray cabinet needs to work with it rather than imitate it.
Set up both candidates with cream walls and stainless steel. 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
The alternative Dorian Gray has an LRV of 39.
Review the cabinet face under its actual light so medium gray does not become an unexpectedly dark mass. Assess Acier and Felted Wool 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 Acier SW-9170. The recorded LRV is 32. 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.