Grey Knights Steel
Base
Paint equivalent guide
SPECTRUM BLUE AK Interactive acrylic paint equivalents (#B3BEBF)
SPECTRUM BLUE is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest SPECTRUM BLUE equivalent is Grey Knights Steel (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 3.9).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for SPECTRUM BLUE.
For Army Painter, the closest match to SPECTRUM BLUE is Company Grey (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.8).
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Top 4 closest equivalents
These 4 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.
1
Grey Knights SteelCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 3.9moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection2
Mithril SilverCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 4.1moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection3
Fortress GreyCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 5.1moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection4
Company GreyArmy Painter
ΔE 5.8moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspectionBest equivalents by brand
Ranked by Delta-E CIEDE2000 · All brands · Interactive
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Direct answer
Which equivalent should you pick for SPECTRUM BLUE?
The closest cross-brand equivalent to SPECTRUM BLUE in the current local catalogue is Grey Knights Steel from Citadel (Games Workshop) (Delta-E 3.89).
- Closest overall: Grey Knights Steel (Citadel (Games Workshop), Delta-E 3.89)
- Closest Vallejo: Light Grey (70.990) (Delta-E 5.92)
- Closest Army Painter: Company Grey (Delta-E 5.85)
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 SPECTRUM BLUE?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
Frequently asked questions
SPECTRUM BLUE 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.
No reliable Vallejo match appears in the current top equivalents.
Yes, SPECTRUM BLUE 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.
SPECTRUM BLUE is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest SPECTRUM BLUE equivalent is Grey Knights Steel (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 3.9).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for SPECTRUM BLUE.
For Army Painter, the closest match to SPECTRUM BLUE is Company Grey (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.8).
SPECTRUM BLUE is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest SPECTRUM BLUE equivalent is Grey Knights Steel (Citadel (Games Workshop)) with Delta E 3.9. No close Vallejo equivalent found for SPECTRUM BLUE. For Army Painter, the closest match to SPECTRUM BLUE is Company Grey (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.8.
SPECTRUM BLUE Vallejo equivalent
No Vallejo equivalent within an acceptable colour distance was found for SPECTRUM BLUE.
SPECTRUM BLUE Army Painter equivalent
The best Army Painter option is Company Grey (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.8.
SPECTRUM BLUE equivalent and alternative: brand comparison
As a paint, SPECTRUM BLUE requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the neutral grey range.
Brand comparison
- Closest equivalent : Grey Knights Steel (Citadel (Games Workshop)) – ΔE 3.9
- Closest Vallejo option : no close Vallejo equivalent
- Closest Army Painter option : Company Grey (Army Painter) – ΔE 5.8
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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