diff --git a/direct/src/directtools/DirectUtil.py b/direct/src/directtools/DirectUtil.py
index b4b14374ff..f60c2d2880 100644
--- a/direct/src/directtools/DirectUtil.py
+++ b/direct/src/directtools/DirectUtil.py
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ def lerpBackgroundColor(r,g,b,duration):
     t = taskMgr.add(lerpColor, 'lerpBackgroundColor')
     t.time = 0.0
     t.duration = duration
-    t.sc = base.win.getGsg().getColorClearValue()
+    t.sc = base.getBackgroundColor()
     t.ec = VBase4(r,g,b,1)
 
 # Set direct drawing style for an object
diff --git a/direct/src/tkpanels/DirectSessionPanel.py b/direct/src/tkpanels/DirectSessionPanel.py
index 57f0a5c1bd..8c5e53fb36 100644
--- a/direct/src/tkpanels/DirectSessionPanel.py
+++ b/direct/src/tkpanels/DirectSessionPanel.py
@@ -886,7 +886,7 @@ class DirectSessionPanel(AppShell):
             self.updateGridInfo()
             
     def updateEnvironmentInfo(self):
-        bkgrdColor = base.win.getGsg().getColorClearValue() * 255.0
+        bkgrdColor = base.getBackgroundColor() * 255.0
         self.backgroundColor.set([bkgrdColor[0],
                                   bkgrdColor[1],
                                   bkgrdColor[2],