Gunmetal Blue (70.800)
Model Color
Metallic Paint
Black Metal Scale75 metallic paint equivalents (#303038)
Black Metal is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Black Metal equivalent is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 4.8).
For Vallejo, the closest match to Black Metal is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 4.8).
For Army Painter, the closest match to Black Metal is Death Metal (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.6).
Scale75
metallic
#303038
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Top 3 closest equivalents
These 3 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.
1
Gunmetal Blue (70.800)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 4.8moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection2
Anthrax MetalGreen Stuff World
ΔE 8.3significant colour distance -- test before committing3
Gunmetal GreyGreen Stuff World
ΔE 8.8significant 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 Black Metal?
The closest cross-brand equivalent to Black Metal in the current local catalogue is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) from Vallejo Model Color (Delta-E 4.83).
- Closest overall: Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color, Delta-E 4.83)
- Closest Vallejo: Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Delta-E 4.83)
- Closest Army Painter: Death Metal (Delta-E 5.61)
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:
- Pigment size: metallic flakes settle — stir thoroughly before use
- Primer: the primer already used in your recipe — black primer gives a truer metallic sheen
- Thinning: controlled thinning — too much water dulls the metallic particles
- Coverage: reliable — metallics may need multiple thin coats
- Varnish: matte varnish kills metallic reflections — use satin or gloss
Need the paint card for Black Metal?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
Frequently asked questions
Black Metal is a paint from Scale75. 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 Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Delta E 4.83).
Yes, Black Metal is currently part of the Scale75 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.
Black Metal is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Black Metal equivalent is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 4.8).
For Vallejo, the closest match to Black Metal is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 4.8).
For Army Painter, the closest match to Black Metal is Death Metal (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.6).
Black Metal is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Black Metal equivalent is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 4.8. For Vallejo, the closest match to Black Metal is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 4.8. For Army Painter, the closest match to Black Metal is Death Metal (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.6.
Black Metal Vallejo equivalent
The closest Vallejo match is Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 4.8.
Black Metal Army Painter equivalent
The best Army Painter option is Death Metal (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.6.
Black Metal equivalent and alternative: brand comparison
As a paint with metallic pigments, Black Metal reflects light differently than standard colours. The colour sits in the deep blue range.
Pigment particle size
Metallic paints use metal flakes that vary by brand. Black Metal has a specific particle size.
Black vs white primer
The primer choice affects how Black Metal reads. Over black the metallic appears deeper and richer.
NMM simulation vs true metallic
Black Metal is a true metallic — the flakes do the work of simulating reflections.
Edge highlight preservation
Edge highlights on Black Metal must contrast with the metallic base.
Tarnish and varnish
Metallic paints can tarnish over time. Black Metal may need a varnish seal.
Brand comparison
- Closest equivalent : Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 4.8
- Closest Vallejo option : Gunmetal Blue (70.800) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 4.8
- Closest Army Painter option : Death Metal (Army Painter) – ΔE 5.6
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 paint substitute reliable on an actual miniature.
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