Layer Paint

Imrik Blue Equivalent

As a layer paint, this colour is formulated for translucency and smooth transitions over an existing basecoat. Teal and blue-green colours are prized for cold armour, gemstone effects, and Tzeentchian magic..
The closest Imrik Blue equivalent is Arctic Gem (Army Painter) (ΔE 2.3).
For the Imrik Blue equivalent Vallejo, French Mirage Blue (70.900) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 6.3).
The best Imrik Blue Army Painter equivalent is Arctic Gem (Army Painter) (ΔE 2.3).

Citadel (Games Workshop) layer #208ABF

Top 3 closest equivalents

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

1
Arctic GemArmy Painter
ΔE 2.3slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
2
Phalanx BlueArmy Painter
ΔE 5.4moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection
3
SC-15 Adriatic BlueScale75
ΔE 5.8moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection

Best equivalents by brand

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Direct answer

Which equivalent should you pick for Imrik Blue?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to Imrik Blue in the current local catalogue is Arctic Gem from Army Painter (Delta-E 2.33).

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 layer

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

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Frequently asked questions

Imrik Blue is a layer 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 French Mirage Blue (70.900) (Delta E 6.30).

Yes, Imrik Blue 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 layer paint, this colour is formulated for translucency and smooth transitions over an existing basecoat. Teal and blue-green colours are prized for cold armour, gemstone effects, and Tzeentchian magic..
The closest Imrik Blue equivalent is Arctic Gem (Army Painter) (ΔE 2.3).
For the Imrik Blue equivalent Vallejo, French Mirage Blue (70.900) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 6.3).
The best Imrik Blue Army Painter equivalent is Arctic Gem (Army Painter) (ΔE 2.3).

As a layer paint, this colour is formulated for translucency and smooth transitions over an existing basecoat. Teal and blue-green colours are prized for cold armour, gemstone effects, and Tzeentchian magic..

The closest Imrik Blue equivalent is Arctic Gem (Army Painter) with Delta E 2.3. For a Imrik Blue equivalent Vallejo match, French Mirage Blue (70.900) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 6.3 is the closest pick. The best Imrik Blue Army Painter equivalent is Arctic Gem (Army Painter) with Delta E 2.3.

Imrik Blue Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is French Mirage Blue (70.900) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 6.3.

Imrik Blue Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Arctic Gem (Army Painter) with Delta E 2.3.

Imrik Blue equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a layer paint, Imrik Blue is designed for smooth transitions and controlled highlights. The colour sits in the teal range, with reliable coverage and stable opacity over the primer already used in your recipe.

Translucency

Layer paints are more translucent than base paints by design. Imrik Blue builds colour gradually, which means a substitute must also layer well without going opaque too quickly or requiring too many coats.

Glazing technique

For best results, thin Imrik Blue to controlled thinning and apply in multiple passes. A substitute that dries too fast or too matte will change how the glaze settles on the model.

Layering transitions

The teal tone of Imrik Blue works best when layered from a darker base. Check that the substitute blends gradually without hard edges between coats.

Highlight control

Imrik Blue is commonly used for edge highlights and surface detail. A substitute with different thinning behaviour will alter how precisely you can place the highlight.

Brand comparison

  • Closest equivalent : Arctic Gem (Army Painter) – ΔE 2.3
  • Closest Vallejo option : French Mirage Blue (70.900) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 6.3
  • Closest Army Painter option : Arctic Gem (Army Painter) – ΔE 2.3

A layer 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 layer 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.