Paint equivalent guide

Satin Varnish Equivalent

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 Wrack White (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 1.0).
For the Satin Varnish equivalent Vallejo, Light Grey (70.990) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 2.3).
The best Satin Varnish Army Painter equivalent is Brigade Grey (Army Painter) (ΔE 1.4).

AK Interactive lacquer #D2D1D1

Top 5 closest equivalents

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

1
Wrack WhiteCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 1.0slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
2
Brigade GreyArmy Painter
ΔE 1.4slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
3
Light Grey (70.990)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 2.3slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
4
Necron CompoundCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 3.3moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection
5
Ghostly GreyCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 4.6moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection

Best equivalents by brand

Ranked by Delta-E CIEDE2000 · All brands · Interactive
Computing Delta-E…
Buy it now · Satin Varnish
Compare stock and prices · Satin Varnish
Direct answer

Which equivalent should you pick for Satin Varnish?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to Satin Varnish in the current local catalogue is Wrack White from Citadel (Games Workshop) (Delta-E 1.03).

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

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 Light Grey (70.990) (Delta E 2.30).

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 Wrack White (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 1.0).
For the Satin Varnish equivalent Vallejo, Light Grey (70.990) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 2.3).
The best Satin Varnish Army Painter equivalent is Brigade Grey (Army Painter) (ΔE 1.4).

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 Wrack White (Citadel (Games Workshop)) with Delta E 1.0. For a Satin Varnish equivalent Vallejo match, Light Grey (70.990) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 2.3 is the closest pick. The best Satin Varnish Army Painter equivalent is Brigade Grey (Army Painter) with Delta E 1.4.

Satin Varnish Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is Light Grey (70.990) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 2.3.

Satin Varnish Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Brigade Grey (Army Painter) with Delta E 1.4.

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 : Wrack White (Citadel (Games Workshop)) – ΔE 1.0
  • Closest Vallejo option : Light Grey (70.990) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 2.3
  • Closest Army Painter option : Brigade Grey (Army Painter) – ΔE 1.4

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.