Paint equivalent guide

Rlm 81 Version 1 Equivalent

RLM 81 Version 1 is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest RLM 81 Version 1 equivalent is Skavenblight Dinge (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 2.2).
For the RLM 81 Version 1 equivalent Vallejo, Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 6.0).
The best RLM 81 Version 1 Army Painter equivalent is Brigandine Brown (Army Painter) (ΔE 4.0).

AK Interactive lacquer #4B453C

Top 4 closest equivalents

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

1
Skavenblight DingeCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 2.2slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
2
Sylvaneth BarkCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 2.3slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
3
Charadon GraniteCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 2.8slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
4
Brigandine BrownArmy Painter
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 81 Version 1?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to RLM 81 Version 1 in the current local catalogue is Skavenblight Dinge from Citadel (Games Workshop) (Delta-E 2.23).

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 81 Version 1 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 Grey Wash (70.517) (Delta E 5.96).

Yes, RLM 81 Version 1 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 81 Version 1 is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest RLM 81 Version 1 equivalent is Skavenblight Dinge (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 2.2).
For the RLM 81 Version 1 equivalent Vallejo, Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 6.0).
The best RLM 81 Version 1 Army Painter equivalent is Brigandine Brown (Army Painter) (ΔE 4.0).

RLM 81 Version 1 is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.

The closest RLM 81 Version 1 equivalent is Skavenblight Dinge (Citadel (Games Workshop)) with Delta E 2.2. For a RLM 81 Version 1 equivalent Vallejo match, Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 6.0 is the closest pick. The best RLM 81 Version 1 Army Painter equivalent is Brigandine Brown (Army Painter) with Delta E 4.0.

RLM 81 Version 1 Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 6.0.

RLM 81 Version 1 Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Brigandine Brown (Army Painter) with Delta E 4.0.

RLM 81 Version 1 equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a paint, RLM 81 Version 1 requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the warm orange range.

Brand comparison

  • Closest equivalent : Skavenblight Dinge (Citadel (Games Workshop)) – ΔE 2.2
  • Closest Vallejo option : Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 6.0
  • Closest Army Painter option : Brigandine Brown (Army Painter) – ΔE 4.0

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.