Paint equivalent guide

Inktense Black Equivalent

Inktense Black is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Inktense Black equivalent is Black Templar (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 0.3).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for Inktense Black.
The best Inktense Black Army Painter equivalent is Grim Black (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.3).

Scale75 ink #181818

Top 5 closest equivalents

These 5 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.

1
Black TemplarCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 0.3excellent colour match with minimal perceptible difference
2
Basilicanum GreyCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 2.8slight colour difference, well within acceptable range
3
Grim BlackArmy Painter
ΔE 5.3moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection
4
Dark Angels GreenCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 7.2significant colour distance -- test before committing
5
WyldwoodCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 15.5significant colour distance -- test before committing

Best equivalents by brand

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

Which equivalent should you pick for Inktense Black?

The closest cross-brand equivalent to Inktense Black in the current local catalogue is Black Templar from Citadel (Games Workshop) (Delta-E 0.31).

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 base

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

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Frequently asked questions

Inktense Black is a ink 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.

No reliable Vallejo match appears in the current top equivalents.

Yes, Inktense Black 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.

Inktense Black is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Inktense Black equivalent is Black Templar (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 0.3).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for Inktense Black.
The best Inktense Black Army Painter equivalent is Grim Black (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.3).

Inktense Black is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.

The closest Inktense Black equivalent is Black Templar (Citadel (Games Workshop)) with Delta E 0.3. No close Vallejo equivalent found for Inktense Black. The best Inktense Black Army Painter equivalent is Grim Black (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.3.

Inktense Black Vallejo equivalent

No Vallejo equivalent within an acceptable colour distance was found for Inktense Black.

Inktense Black Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Grim Black (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.3.

Inktense Black equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a ink paint, Inktense Black flows into recesses and shadows naturally. The colour sits in the near-black range, with reliable coverage and stable opacity over the primer already used in your recipe.

Flow and pooling

The key property of Inktense Black is how it flows. A substitute must have similar surface tension to avoid pooling on flat areas or leaving tide marks.

Drying marks

Inktense Black dries with a consistent finish when handled correctly. A substitute that dries unevenly or leaves rings will require remedial work that the original formula does not.

Matte vs gloss finish

The finish of Inktense Black affects how highlights read over it. A glossier substitute will change the surface before the next layer, while a matte one may need a medium coat to restore adhesion.

Recess application

For recess shading, Inktense Black must wick into panel lines cleanly. Test the substitute on a grooved surface before applying to the whole model.

Multiple coat behaviour

Inktense Black can be layered for deeper shadows. A substitute that darkens too quickly or stains the raised surfaces will limit the range of shadow you can build.

Brand comparison

  • Closest equivalent : Black Templar (Citadel (Games Workshop)) – ΔE 0.3
  • Closest Vallejo option : no close Vallejo equivalent
  • Closest Army Painter option : Grim Black (Army Painter) – ΔE 5.3

A shade substitute only becomes trustworthy once it survives the same primer, base coat, 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 ink 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.