Caviar and Black Magic: the documented difference
Caviar and Black Magic 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. Caviar, Black Magic and Tricorn Black share a published LRV while carrying different manufacturer temperature descriptions. Black Magic is a very dark black with a slight warm influence.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Caviar | Sherwin-Williams SW-6990 | 3 |
| Black Magic | Sherwin-Williams SW-6991 | 3 |
The choice beside white tile and brushed steel
Steel and white tile offer a clear setting for the cool-black comparison, without implying that equal reflectance means equal appearance.
Set up both candidates with white tile and brushed 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 Tricorn Black has an LRV of 3.
Put Caviar, Tricorn Black and the fixed metal in one light; the shared LRV cannot make the choice for you. Assess Caviar and Black Magic 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 Caviar SW-6990. 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.