Boltgun Metal
Base
Paint equivalent guide
DARK ALUMINUM AK Interactive acrylic paint equivalents (#8B8A8A)
DARK ALUMINUM is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest DARK ALUMINUM equivalent is Boltgun Metal (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 1.6).
For Vallejo, the closest match to DARK ALUMINUM is Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 2.1).
For Army Painter, the closest match to DARK ALUMINUM is Ash Grey (Army Painter) (ΔE 3.5).
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#8B8A8A
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Direct answer
Which equivalent should you pick for DARK ALUMINUM?
The closest cross-brand equivalent to DARK ALUMINUM in the current local catalogue is Boltgun Metal from Citadel (Games Workshop) (Delta-E 1.56).
- Closest overall: Boltgun Metal (Citadel (Games Workshop), Delta-E 1.56)
- Closest Vallejo: Neutral Grey (70.992) (Delta-E 2.07)
- Closest Army Painter: Ash Grey (Delta-E 3.5)
Method
Matches are computed from the local paint catalogue with Delta-E CIEDE2000. Lower values mean a closer visual match on the miniature.
Limits
Finish, opacity, flow, and bottle format are not captured by Delta-E alone. Test the substitute if the recipe relies on a specific behaviour.
What to check before replacing this base
Before adopting a substitute, check these points specific to this base paint:
- Coverage: reliable — check how many coats are needed for full opacity
- Thinning: controlled thinning — verify the right ratio for your technique
- Recommended primer: the primer already used in your recipe — keep the same surface preparation
- Test swatch: always test the substitute on a spare part first
- Recipe check: compare with the full wash and highlight sequence
Need the paint card for DARK ALUMINUM?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
Frequently asked questions
DARK ALUMINUM is a paint from AK Interactive. Its specific pigment load, drying behaviour, and finish set it apart from other paints in the same category, which is why a direct substitute needs to match more than just the colour value.
The closest Vallejo option is Neutral Grey (70.992) (Delta E 2.07).
Yes, DARK ALUMINUM is currently part of the AK Interactive range. Check local stock or equivalent alternatives if the pot is hard to source.
Check Delta-E, finish type, coverage, opacity, and behaviour over your chosen primer. Run a full test with one shade and one highlight pass before applying the substitute to an entire unit.
DARK ALUMINUM is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest DARK ALUMINUM equivalent is Boltgun Metal (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 1.6).
For Vallejo, the closest match to DARK ALUMINUM is Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 2.1).
For Army Painter, the closest match to DARK ALUMINUM is Ash Grey (Army Painter) (ΔE 3.5).
DARK ALUMINUM is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest DARK ALUMINUM equivalent is Boltgun Metal (Citadel (Games Workshop)) with Delta E 1.6. For Vallejo, the closest match to DARK ALUMINUM is Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 2.1. For Army Painter, the closest match to DARK ALUMINUM is Ash Grey (Army Painter) with Delta E 3.5.
DARK ALUMINUM Vallejo equivalent
The closest Vallejo match is Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 2.1.
DARK ALUMINUM Army Painter equivalent
The best Army Painter option is Ash Grey (Army Painter) with Delta E 3.5.
DARK ALUMINUM equivalent and alternative: brand comparison
As a paint, DARK ALUMINUM requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the neutral grey range.
Brand comparison
- Closest equivalent : Boltgun Metal (Citadel (Games Workshop)) – ΔE 1.6
- Closest Vallejo option : Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 2.1
- Closest Army Painter option : Ash Grey (Army Painter) – ΔE 3.5
A paint substitute only becomes trustworthy once it survives the same primer, shade, and highlight sequence as the original recipe.
Looking at the surrounding palette matters because a near match can still push the finished model warmer, colder, or flatter than expected.
That combination of colour distance, finish, and recipe context is what makes a paint substitute reliable on an actual miniature.
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