Paint equivalent guide

Rlm 04 Equivalent

RLM 04 is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest RLM 04 equivalent is Zamesi Desert (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 0.9).
For the RLM 04 equivalent Vallejo, Deep Yellow (70.915) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 2.1).
The best RLM 04 Army Painter equivalent is Fiendish Yellow (Army Painter) (ΔE 6.5).

AK Interactive lacquer #DB9F24

Top 4 closest equivalents

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

1
Zamesi DesertCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 0.9excellent colour match with minimal perceptible difference
2
Deep Yellow (70.915)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 2.1slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
3
SC-11 Sahara YellowScale75
ΔE 3.5moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection
4
SC-10 Deep YellowScale75
ΔE 4.0moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection

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 RLM 04?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to RLM 04 in the current local catalogue is Zamesi Desert from Citadel (Games Workshop) (Delta-E 0.89).

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

RLM 04 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 Deep Yellow (70.915) (Delta E 2.06).

Yes, RLM 04 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.

RLM 04 is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest RLM 04 equivalent is Zamesi Desert (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 0.9).
For the RLM 04 equivalent Vallejo, Deep Yellow (70.915) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 2.1).
The best RLM 04 Army Painter equivalent is Fiendish Yellow (Army Painter) (ΔE 6.5).

RLM 04 is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.

The closest RLM 04 equivalent is Zamesi Desert (Citadel (Games Workshop)) with Delta E 0.9. For a RLM 04 equivalent Vallejo match, Deep Yellow (70.915) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 2.1 is the closest pick. The best RLM 04 Army Painter equivalent is Fiendish Yellow (Army Painter) with Delta E 6.5.

RLM 04 Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is Deep Yellow (70.915) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 2.1.

RLM 04 Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Fiendish Yellow (Army Painter) with Delta E 6.5.

RLM 04 equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a paint, RLM 04 requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the warm orange range.

Brand comparison

  • Closest equivalent : Zamesi Desert (Citadel (Games Workshop)) – ΔE 0.9
  • Closest Vallejo option : Deep Yellow (70.915) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 2.1
  • Closest Army Painter option : Fiendish Yellow (Army Painter) – ΔE 6.5

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.