Satin Varnish (70.522)
Model Color
Paint equivalent guide
Satin Varnish AK Interactive lacquer paint equivalents (#D2D1D1)
Satin Varnish is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Satin Varnish equivalent is Satin Varnish (70.522) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 9.9).
For Vallejo, the closest match to Satin Varnish is Satin Varnish (70.522) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 9.9).
For Army Painter, the closest match to Satin Varnish is Matt Varnish (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.6).
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Top 4 closest equivalents
These 4 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.
1
Matt VarnishArmy Painter
ΔE 5.6moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection2
Munitorum Varnish SprayCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 8.9significant colour distance -- test before committing3
Matt Varnish (70.520)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 9.9significant colour distance -- test before committing4
Satin Varnish (70.522)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 9.9significant colour distance -- test before committingBest equivalents by brand
Ranked by Delta-E CIEDE2000 · All brands · Interactive
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Direct answer
Which equivalent should you pick for Satin Varnish?
The closest cross-brand equivalent to Satin Varnish in the current local catalogue is Matt Varnish from Army Painter (Delta-E 5.6).
- Closest overall: Matt Varnish (Army Painter, Delta-E 5.6)
- Closest Vallejo: Matt Varnish (70.520) (Delta-E 9.91)
- Closest Army Painter: Matt Varnish (Delta-E 5.6)
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:
- Coverage: reliable — check how many coats are needed for full opacity
- Thinning: controlled thinning — verify the right ratio for your technique
- Recommended primer: the primer already used in your recipe — keep the same surface preparation
- Test swatch: always test the substitute on a spare part first
- Recipe check: compare with the full wash and highlight sequence
Need the paint card for Satin Varnish?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
Frequently asked questions
Satin Varnish 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 Satin Varnish (70.522) (Delta E 9.91).
Yes, Satin Varnish 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.
Satin Varnish is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Satin Varnish equivalent is Satin Varnish (70.522) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 9.9).
For Vallejo, the closest match to Satin Varnish is Satin Varnish (70.522) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 9.9).
For Army Painter, the closest match to Satin Varnish is Matt Varnish (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.6).
Satin Varnish is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Satin Varnish equivalent is Satin Varnish (70.522) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 9.9. For Vallejo, the closest match to Satin Varnish is Satin Varnish (70.522) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 9.9. For Army Painter, the closest match to Satin Varnish is Matt Varnish (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.6.
Satin Varnish Vallejo equivalent
The closest Vallejo match is Satin Varnish (70.522) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 9.9.
Satin Varnish Army Painter equivalent
The best Army Painter option is Matt Varnish (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.6.
Satin Varnish equivalent and alternative: brand comparison
As a paint, Satin Varnish requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the neutral grey range.
Brand comparison
- Closest equivalent : Satin Varnish (70.522) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 9.9
- Closest Vallejo option : Satin Varnish (70.522) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 9.9
- Closest Army Painter option : Matt Varnish (Army Painter) – ΔE 5.6
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.
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