The Fang layer equivalents in Warhammer and Army Painter (#405B71)

As a layer paint, this colour is formulated for translucency and smooth transitions over an existing basecoat. Cool blue tones anchor many Space Marine chapters and provide a stable foundation for cold schemes.

The closest The Fang equivalent is WWI French Artillery Grey (AK Interactive) with Delta E 5.7. For Vallejo, the closest match to The Fang is Intermediate Blue (70.903) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 6.0. For Army Painter, the closest match to The Fang is Thunderous Blue (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.5.

The Fang Vallejo equivalent

The closest Vallejo match is Intermediate Blue (70.903) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 6.0.

The Fang Army Painter equivalent

The best Army Painter option is Thunderous Blue (Army Painter) with Delta E 5.5.

The Fang equivalent and alternative: brand comparison

As a layer paint, The Fang is designed for smooth transitions and controlled highlights. The colour sits in the deep blue range, with good coverage and opaque opacity over a grey or black primer.

Translucency

Layer paints are more translucent than base paints by design. The Fang 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 The Fang to light 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 deep blue tone of The Fang works best when layered from a darker base. Check that the substitute blends gradually without hard edges between coats.

Highlight control

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

Nuln Oil, Fenrisian Grey, Russ Grey and Ulthuan Grey are common companions to this layer. They were chosen in the original recipe because their coverage, drying speed, and finish layer in the same workflow without forcing extra corrections.

Brand comparison

• Closest equivalent : WWI French Artillery Grey (AK Interactive) – ΔE 5.7
• Closest Vallejo option : Intermediate Blue (70.903) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 6.0
• Closest Army Painter option : Thunderous Blue (Army Painter) – ΔE 5.5

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.