Metallic Paint

Gun Metal (Metallic) Equivalent

Gun Metal (Metallic) is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Gun Metal (Metallic) equivalent is Black (70.950) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 1.6).
For the Gun Metal (Metallic) equivalent Vallejo, Black (70.950) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 1.6).
The best Gun Metal (Metallic) Army Painter equivalent is Matt Black (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.2).

AK Interactive lacquer #1A1817

Top 4 closest equivalents

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

1
Black (70.950)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 1.6slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
2
Glossy Black (70.861)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 1.6slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
3
Black (72.051)Vallejo Game Color
ΔE 1.6slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
4
SC-01 Scalecolor BlackScale75
ΔE 1.6slight colour difference, well within acceptable range

Best equivalents by brand

Ranked by Delta-E CIEDE2000 · All brands · Interactive
Computing Delta-E…
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Direct answer

Which equivalent should you pick for Gun Metal (Metallic)?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to Gun Metal (Metallic) in the current local catalogue is Black (70.950) from Vallejo Model Color (Delta-E 1.57).

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 metallic

Before adopting a substitute, check these points specific to this metallic paint:

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Frequently asked questions

Gun Metal (Metallic) 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 Black (70.950) (Delta E 1.57).

Yes, Gun Metal (Metallic) 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.

Gun Metal (Metallic) is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Gun Metal (Metallic) equivalent is Black (70.950) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 1.6).
For the Gun Metal (Metallic) equivalent Vallejo, Black (70.950) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 1.6).
The best Gun Metal (Metallic) Army Painter equivalent is Matt Black (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.2).

Gun Metal (Metallic) is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.

The closest Gun Metal (Metallic) equivalent is Black (70.950) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 1.6. For a Gun Metal (Metallic) equivalent Vallejo match, Black (70.950) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 1.6 is the closest pick. The best Gun Metal (Metallic) Army Painter equivalent is Matt Black (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.2.

Gun Metal (Metallic) Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is Black (70.950) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 1.6.

Gun Metal (Metallic) Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Matt Black (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.2.

Gun Metal (Metallic) equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a paint with metallic pigments, Gun Metal (Metallic) reflects light differently than standard colours. The colour sits in the near-black range.

Pigment particle size

Metallic paints use metal flakes that vary by brand. Gun Metal (Metallic) has a specific particle size.

Black vs white primer

The primer choice affects how Gun Metal (Metallic) reads. Over black the metallic appears deeper and richer.

NMM simulation vs true metallic

Gun Metal (Metallic) is a true metallic — the flakes do the work of simulating reflections.

Edge highlight preservation

Edge highlights on Gun Metal (Metallic) must contrast with the metallic base.

Tarnish and varnish

Metallic paints can tarnish over time. Gun Metal (Metallic) may need a varnish seal.

Brand comparison

  • Closest equivalent : Black (70.950) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 1.6
  • Closest Vallejo option : Black (70.950) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 1.6
  • Closest Army Painter option : Matt Black (Army Painter) – ΔE 5.2

A metallic paint substitute only becomes trustworthy once it survives the same primer, wash, and varnish 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.