Why can close metallics still differ?
Delta-E does not capture metallic flake size or true shine. Always test the finish before replacing Leadbelcher across a large surface.
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The strongest indexed match for Leadbelcher is Natural Steel (70.864) from Vallejo Model Color, with Delta-E 5.73. It is the same broad paint type and relies on non-approximate colour data.
Delta-E does not capture metallic flake size or true shine. Always test the finish before replacing Leadbelcher across a large surface.
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| Paint | Brand | Range | Preview | HEX | Delta-E | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tinny Tin (72.060) | Vallejo Game Color | Game Color | #8A8A8A |
Delta-E 1.43
|
Metallic
|
View paint View Tinny Tin (72.060) on Amazon | |
| Natural Steel (70.864) | Vallejo Model Color | Model Color | #909098 |
Delta-E 5.73
|
Metallic
|
View paint View Natural Steel (70.864) on Amazon | |
| Shining Silver | Army Painter | Warpaints | #94969A |
Estimated Delta-E ≈ 5.89
Approximate data
|
Metallic
|
View paint View Shining Silver on Amazon | |
| True Brass | Army Painter | Warpaints Fanatic | #8D8479 |
Estimated Delta-E ≈ 6.39
Approximate data
|
Metallic
|
View paint View True Brass on Amazon | |
| True Metal Steel | AK Interactive | True Metal | #6E7E8E |
Delta-E 9.62
|
Metallic
|
View paint View True Metal Steel on Amazon |
Natural Steel (70.864) is a practical starting point here, with Delta-E 5.73. It is the same broad paint type and relies on non-approximate colour data.
Shining Silver is the strongest Army Painter lead in the current index, but its colour data is approximate. Treat Estimated Delta-E ≈ 5.89 as a strong clue rather than proof of an identical finish.
True Metal Steel is the closest indexed AK Interactive metallic alternative, but you still need to compare shine and metallic grain on real parts.
Do not judge the average colour alone: compare shine, metallic flake size and wash behaviour as well.
The strongest indexed result is Natural Steel (70.864), with Delta-E 5.73. Use that number to rank options, not to assume a guaranteed one-for-one replacement.
Delta-E describes an average grey-metal impression here, not metallic flake size, shine level or the way a wash will settle on the surface.
Leadbelcher is used on weapons, machines, joints and metallic plates that will later be shaded or highlighted.
A believable replacement must therefore behave like a metallic before you even look at the average grey shown in the data.
ChromaStack compares paints with the CIEDE2000 formula: the lower the Delta-E, the closer the average colour match.
That score helps rank alternatives, but it does not replace a real miniature test or checks on primer, finish and thinning.
Metallics and washes need extra caution because their behaviour also depends on flow, surface build-up and reflected light.
Read the conversion guideBecause metallic flake size, shine and the way washes catch the surface are not encoded in the Delta-E value.
Natural Steel (70.864) is the closest indexed Vallejo option, with Delta-E 5.73.
No. A non-metallic grey may approach the average tone, but it cannot replace metallic reflection or metallic pigment behaviour.
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