Paint equivalent guide

M-485 Light Grey Equivalent

M-485 Light Grey is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest M-485 Light Grey equivalent is Rakarth Flesh (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 1.8).
For the M-485 Light Grey equivalent Vallejo, Stone Grey (70.884) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 3.9).
The best M-485 Light Grey Army Painter equivalent is Grey Castle (Army Painter) (ΔE 3.3).

AK Interactive lacquer #969589

Top 5 closest equivalents

These 5 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.

1
Rakarth FleshCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 1.8slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
2
Grey CastleArmy Painter
ΔE 3.3moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection
3
Administratum GreyCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 3.5moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection
4
Stone Grey (70.884)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 3.9moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection
5
Silver Grey (70.883)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 4.0moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection

Best equivalents by brand

Ranked by Delta-E CIEDE2000 · All brands · Interactive
Computing Delta-E…
Buy it now · M-485 Light Grey
Compare stock and prices · M-485 Light Grey
Direct answer

Which equivalent should you pick for M-485 Light Grey?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to M-485 Light Grey in the current local catalogue is Rakarth Flesh from Citadel (Games Workshop) (Delta-E 1.78).

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:

Need the paint card for M-485 Light Grey?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
View paint card →

Frequently asked questions

M-485 Light Grey 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 Stone Grey (70.884) (Delta E 3.89).

Yes, M-485 Light Grey 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.

M-485 Light Grey is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest M-485 Light Grey equivalent is Rakarth Flesh (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 1.8).
For the M-485 Light Grey equivalent Vallejo, Stone Grey (70.884) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 3.9).
The best M-485 Light Grey Army Painter equivalent is Grey Castle (Army Painter) (ΔE 3.3).

M-485 Light Grey is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.

The closest M-485 Light Grey equivalent is Rakarth Flesh (Citadel (Games Workshop)) with Delta E 1.8. For a M-485 Light Grey equivalent Vallejo match, Stone Grey (70.884) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 3.9 is the closest pick. The best M-485 Light Grey Army Painter equivalent is Grey Castle (Army Painter) with Delta E 3.3.

M-485 Light Grey Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is Stone Grey (70.884) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 3.9.

M-485 Light Grey Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Grey Castle (Army Painter) with Delta E 3.3.

M-485 Light Grey equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a paint, M-485 Light Grey requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the neutral grey range.

Brand comparison

  • Closest equivalent : Rakarth Flesh (Citadel (Games Workshop)) – ΔE 1.8
  • Closest Vallejo option : Stone Grey (70.884) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 3.9
  • Closest Army Painter option : Grey Castle (Army Painter) – ΔE 3.3

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.