Runelord Brass
Layer
Metallic Paint
SC-87 Decayed Metal Scale75 metallic paint equivalents (#6E6E58)
SC-87 Decayed Metal is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest SC-87 Decayed Metal equivalent is Runelord Brass (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 11.5).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for SC-87 Decayed Metal.
For Army Painter, the closest match to SC-87 Decayed Metal is Tainted Gold (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.5).
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#6E6E58
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Top 5 closest equivalents
These 5 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.
1
Tainted GoldArmy Painter
ΔE 5.5moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection2
Iron WarriorsCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 9.2significant colour distance -- test before committing3
Runelord BrassCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 11.5significant colour distance -- test before committing4
True BrassArmy Painter
ΔE 12.5significant colour distance -- test before committing5
Plate Mail MetalArmy Painter
ΔE 13.2significant 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 SC-87 Decayed Metal?
The closest cross-brand equivalent to SC-87 Decayed Metal in the current local catalogue is Tainted Gold from Army Painter (Delta-E 5.46).
- Closest overall: Tainted Gold (Army Painter, Delta-E 5.46)
- Closest Vallejo: Tinny Tin (72.060) (Delta-E 15.58)
- Closest Army Painter: Tainted Gold (Delta-E 5.46)
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 SC-87 Decayed Metal?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
Frequently asked questions
SC-87 Decayed 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.
No reliable Vallejo match appears in the current top equivalents.
Yes, SC-87 Decayed 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.
SC-87 Decayed Metal is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest SC-87 Decayed Metal equivalent is Runelord Brass (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 11.5).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for SC-87 Decayed Metal.
For Army Painter, the closest match to SC-87 Decayed Metal is Tainted Gold (Army Painter) (ΔE 5.5).
SC-87 Decayed Metal is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest SC-87 Decayed Metal equivalent is Runelord Brass (Citadel (Games Workshop)) with Delta E 11.5. No close Vallejo equivalent found for SC-87 Decayed Metal. For Army Painter, the closest match to SC-87 Decayed Metal is Tainted Gold (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.5.
SC-87 Decayed Metal Vallejo equivalent
No Vallejo equivalent within an acceptable colour distance was found for SC-87 Decayed Metal.
SC-87 Decayed Metal Army Painter equivalent
The best Army Painter option is Tainted Gold (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.5.
SC-87 Decayed Metal equivalent and alternative: brand comparison
As a paint with metallic pigments, SC-87 Decayed Metal reflects light differently than standard colours. The colour sits in the warm yellow range.
Pigment particle size
Metallic paints use metal flakes that vary by brand. SC-87 Decayed Metal has a specific particle size.
Black vs white primer
The primer choice affects how SC-87 Decayed Metal reads. Over black the metallic appears deeper and richer.
NMM simulation vs true metallic
SC-87 Decayed Metal is a true metallic — the flakes do the work of simulating reflections.
Edge highlight preservation
Edge highlights on SC-87 Decayed Metal must contrast with the metallic base.
Tarnish and varnish
Metallic paints can tarnish over time. SC-87 Decayed Metal may need a varnish seal.
Brand comparison
- Closest equivalent : Runelord Brass (Citadel (Games Workshop)) – ΔE 11.5
- Closest Vallejo option : no close Vallejo equivalent
- Closest Army Painter option : Tainted Gold (Army Painter) – ΔE 5.5
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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