Paint equivalent guide

Dark Blue Equivalent

DARK BLUE is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest DARK BLUE equivalent is SC-08 Abyssal Blue (Scale75) (ΔE 1.2).
For the DARK BLUE equivalent Vallejo, Dark Prussian Blue (70.899) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 3.1).
The best DARK BLUE Army Painter equivalent is Triumphant Navy (Army Painter) (ΔE 3.8).

AK Interactive acrylic #1E2E4B

Top 4 closest equivalents

These 4 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.

1
SC-08 Abyssal BlueScale75
ΔE 1.2slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
2
SC-55 Deep BlueScale75
ΔE 2.6slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
3
Dark Prussian Blue (70.899)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 3.1moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection
4
Prussian Blue (70.965)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 4.6moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection

Best equivalents by brand

Ranked by Delta-E CIEDE2000 · All brands · Interactive
Computing Delta-E…
Buy it now · DARK BLUE
Compare stock and prices · DARK BLUE
Direct answer

Which equivalent should you pick for DARK BLUE?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to DARK BLUE in the current local catalogue is SC-08 Abyssal Blue from Scale75 (Delta-E 1.21).

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:

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Frequently asked questions

DARK BLUE 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 Dark Prussian Blue (70.899) (Delta E 3.14).

Yes, DARK BLUE 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 BLUE is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest DARK BLUE equivalent is SC-08 Abyssal Blue (Scale75) (ΔE 1.2).
For the DARK BLUE equivalent Vallejo, Dark Prussian Blue (70.899) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 3.1).
The best DARK BLUE Army Painter equivalent is Triumphant Navy (Army Painter) (ΔE 3.8).

DARK BLUE is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.

The closest DARK BLUE equivalent is SC-08 Abyssal Blue (Scale75) with Delta E 1.2. For a DARK BLUE equivalent Vallejo match, Dark Prussian Blue (70.899) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 3.1 is the closest pick. The best DARK BLUE Army Painter equivalent is Triumphant Navy (Army Painter) with Delta E 3.8.

DARK BLUE Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is Dark Prussian Blue (70.899) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 3.1.

DARK BLUE Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Triumphant Navy (Army Painter) with Delta E 3.8.

DARK BLUE equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a paint, DARK BLUE requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the deep blue range.

Brand comparison

  • Closest equivalent : SC-08 Abyssal Blue (Scale75) – ΔE 1.2
  • Closest Vallejo option : Dark Prussian Blue (70.899) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 3.1
  • Closest Army Painter option : Triumphant Navy (Army Painter) – ΔE 3.8

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.