Metallic Paint

Cobalt Metal Equivalent

Cobalt Metal is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Cobalt Metal equivalent is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 8.2).
For the Cobalt Metal equivalent Vallejo, Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 8.2).
The best Cobalt Metal Army Painter equivalent is Gun Metal (Army Painter) (ΔE 10.5).

Army Painter warpaint_fanatic_metallic #31464A

Top 4 closest equivalents

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

1
Gunmetal Blue (70.800)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 8.2significant colour distance -- test before committing
2
Gunmetal GreyGreen Stuff World
ΔE 8.9significant colour distance -- test before committing
3
Speedmetal IronGreen Stuff World
ΔE 9.8significant colour distance -- test before committing
4
True Metal IronAK Interactive
ΔE 12.6significant colour distance -- test before committing

Best equivalents by brand

Ranked by Delta-E CIEDE2000 · All brands · Interactive
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Direct answer

Which equivalent should you pick for Cobalt Metal?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to Cobalt Metal in the current local catalogue is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) from Vallejo Model Color (Delta-E 8.17).

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 metallic

Before adopting a substitute, check these points specific to this metallic paint:

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Frequently asked questions

Cobalt Metal is a paint from Army Painter. 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 Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Delta E 8.17).

Yes, Cobalt Metal is currently part of the Army Painter 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.

Cobalt Metal is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Cobalt Metal equivalent is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 8.2).
For the Cobalt Metal equivalent Vallejo, Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 8.2).
The best Cobalt Metal Army Painter equivalent is Gun Metal (Army Painter) (ΔE 10.5).

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

The closest Cobalt Metal equivalent is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 8.2. For a Cobalt Metal equivalent Vallejo match, Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 8.2 is the closest pick. The best Cobalt Metal Army Painter equivalent is Gun Metal (Army Painter) with Delta E 10.5.

Cobalt Metal Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 8.2.

Cobalt Metal Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Gun Metal (Army Painter) with Delta E 10.5.

Cobalt Metal equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a paint with metallic pigments, Cobalt Metal reflects light differently than standard colours. The colour sits in the teal range.

Pigment particle size

Metallic paints use metal flakes that vary by brand. Cobalt Metal has a specific particle size.

Black vs white primer

The primer choice affects how Cobalt Metal reads. Over black the metallic appears deeper and richer.

NMM simulation vs true metallic

Cobalt Metal is a true metallic — the flakes do the work of simulating reflections.

Edge highlight preservation

Edge highlights on Cobalt Metal must contrast with the metallic base.

Tarnish and varnish

Metallic paints can tarnish over time. Cobalt Metal may need a varnish seal.

Brand comparison

  • Closest equivalent : Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 8.2
  • Closest Vallejo option : Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 8.2
  • Closest Army Painter option : Gun Metal (Army Painter) – ΔE 10.5

A metallic paint substitute only becomes trustworthy once it survives the same primer, wash, and varnish 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.