Metallic Paint

Boltgun Metal Equivalent

As a standard basecoat paint, this colour is formulated for opaque coverage over primer in one to two controlled passes. Neutral grey colours bridge the gap between black and white, used for stone, armour, and gradual highlights..
The closest Boltgun Metal equivalent is DARK ALUMINUM (AK Interactive) (ΔE 1.6).
For the Boltgun Metal equivalent Vallejo, Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 3.3).
The best Boltgun Metal Army Painter equivalent is Ash Grey (Army Painter) (ΔE 4.1).

Citadel (Games Workshop) base #888789

Top 3 closest equivalents

These 3 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.

1
DARK ALUMINUMAK Interactive
ΔE 1.6slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
2
Wolven GreyGreen Stuff World
ΔE 3.1moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection
3
Deck GreyGreen Stuff World
ΔE 3.1moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection

Best equivalents by brand

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

Which equivalent should you pick for Boltgun Metal?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to Boltgun Metal in the current local catalogue is DARK ALUMINUM from AK Interactive (Delta-E 1.56).

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

Boltgun Metal is a base paint from Citadel (Games Workshop). 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 Neutral Grey (70.992) (Delta E 3.34).

Yes, Boltgun Metal is currently part of the Citadel (Games Workshop) 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.

As a standard basecoat paint, this colour is formulated for opaque coverage over primer in one to two controlled passes. Neutral grey colours bridge the gap between black and white, used for stone, armour, and gradual highlights..
The closest Boltgun Metal equivalent is DARK ALUMINUM (AK Interactive) (ΔE 1.6).
For the Boltgun Metal equivalent Vallejo, Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 3.3).
The best Boltgun Metal Army Painter equivalent is Ash Grey (Army Painter) (ΔE 4.1).

As a standard basecoat paint, this colour is formulated for opaque coverage over primer in one to two controlled passes. Neutral grey colours bridge the gap between black and white, used for stone, armour, and gradual highlights..

The closest Boltgun Metal equivalent is DARK ALUMINUM (AK Interactive) with Delta E 1.6. For a Boltgun Metal equivalent Vallejo match, Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 3.3 is the closest pick. The best Boltgun Metal Army Painter equivalent is Ash Grey (Army Painter) with Delta E 4.1.

Boltgun Metal Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 3.3.

Boltgun Metal Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Ash Grey (Army Painter) with Delta E 4.1.

Boltgun Metal equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a base paint with metallic pigments, Boltgun Metal reflects light differently than standard colours. The colour sits in the neutral grey range.

Pigment particle size

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

Black vs white primer

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

NMM simulation vs true metallic

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

Edge highlight preservation

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

Tarnish and varnish

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

Brand comparison

  • Closest equivalent : DARK ALUMINUM (AK Interactive) – ΔE 1.6
  • Closest Vallejo option : Neutral Grey (70.992) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 3.3
  • Closest Army Painter option : Ash Grey (Army Painter) – ΔE 4.1

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 base paint substitute reliable on an actual miniature.