Dark Grey Wash (70.517)
Model Color
Paint equivalent guide
Grimdark Shadow alternative similar washes & shades matches (#3F403A)
Grimdark Shadow is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Grimdark Shadow equivalent is Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 4.0).
For Vallejo, the closest match to Grimdark Shadow is Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 4.0).
No close Army Painter equivalent found for Grimdark Shadow.
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Top 3 closest equivalents
These 3 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.
1
Dark Grey Wash (70.517)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 4.0moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection2
Devlan Mud WashCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 8.3significant colour distance -- test before committing3
Orkhide ShadeCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 9.4significant 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 Grimdark Shadow?
The closest cross-brand equivalent to Grimdark Shadow in the current local catalogue is Dark Grey Wash (70.517) from Vallejo Model Color (Delta-E 3.99).
- Closest overall: Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color, Delta-E 3.99)
- Closest Vallejo: Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Delta-E 3.99)
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 Grimdark Shadow?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
Frequently asked questions
Grimdark Shadow 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 Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Delta E 3.99).
Yes, Grimdark Shadow 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.
Grimdark Shadow is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Grimdark Shadow equivalent is Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 4.0).
For Vallejo, the closest match to Grimdark Shadow is Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 4.0).
No close Army Painter equivalent found for Grimdark Shadow.
Grimdark Shadow is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Grimdark Shadow equivalent is Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 4.0. For Vallejo, the closest match to Grimdark Shadow is Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 4.0. No close Army Painter equivalent found for Grimdark Shadow.
Grimdark Shadow Vallejo equivalent
The closest Vallejo match is Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 4.0.
Grimdark Shadow Army Painter equivalent
No Army Painter equivalent within an acceptable colour distance was found for Grimdark Shadow.
Grimdark Shadow equivalent and alternative: brand comparison
As a paint, Grimdark Shadow requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the neutral grey range.
Brand comparison
- Closest equivalent : Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 4.0
- Closest Vallejo option : Dark Grey Wash (70.517) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 4.0
- Closest Army Painter option : no close Army Painter equivalent
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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