Dryad Bark base equivalents in Warhammer and AK Interactive (#2B2A24)

As a standard basecoat paint, this colour is formulated for opaque coverage over primer in one to two controlled passes. Near-black tones create deep shadows, weapon bodies, and armour undercoats across every miniature project.

The closest Dryad Bark equivalent is SMOKE BLACK (AK Interactive) with Delta E 2.5. No close Vallejo equivalent found for Dryad Bark. No close Army Painter equivalent found for Dryad Bark.

Dryad Bark Vallejo equivalent

No Vallejo equivalent within an acceptable colour distance was found for Dryad Bark.

Dryad Bark Army Painter equivalent

No Army Painter equivalent within an acceptable colour distance was found for Dryad Bark.

Dryad Bark equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a base paint, Dryad Bark requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the near-black range, with strong coverage and opaque opacity over most primers.

Coverage and opacity

Dryad Bark is designed to cover primer evenly in one or two passes. Coverage is rated strong, so a substitute that falls below this threshold will require extra coats to block the undercolour. Test the replacement over the same primer — a base that shifts tone with each coat can alter the entire highlight stack.

Primer and application

This base paint performs best over most primers. A substitute that behaves well over a light primer may struggle over black or grey, especially if its opacity is lower. Apply two thin coats, letting each dry fully before the next.

Layer compatibility

The near-black mid-tone of Dryad Bark anchors the layers above it. A replacement that dries glossier or rougher will change how shade and layer paints adhere.

Saturation and colour drift

Base paints carry more pigment than other types, so even a near-black substitute with a close Delta-E can read warmer or cooler once shaded. Run a complete test: prime, base, shade, and highlight before committing.

Companion palette

The most useful partners for Dryad Bark are Agrax Earthshade (universal brown wash), Gorthor Brown (complementary), Skrag Brown (layer / highlight) and Ushabti Bone (layer / highlight). These supporting colours define how the base reads once the recipe is complete.

Agrax Earthshade, Gorthor Brown, Skrag Brown and Ushabti Bone are common companions to this base. They were chosen in the original recipe because their coverage, drying speed, and finish layer in the same workflow without forcing extra corrections.

Brand comparison

• Closest equivalent : SMOKE BLACK (AK Interactive) – ΔE 2.5
• Closest Vallejo option : no close Vallejo equivalent
• Closest Army Painter option : no close Army Painter equivalent

A base 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 base paint substitute reliable on an actual miniature.

That combination of colour distance, finish, and recipe context is what makes a substitute reliable on an actual miniature.

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 too, because a near match can still push the finished model warmer, colder, flatter, or glossier than expected.

That is why the page keeps the recommendation anchored to painting workflow instead of treating Delta-E alone as the final decision.

A useful equivalent page should also reduce buying mistakes: the closer colour is not always the safer option if the bottle dries glossier, covers faster, or behaves differently on large armour panels.