SC-33 Cobalt Blue
Scalecolor
Paint equivalent guide
Imperial Blue (72.020) Vallejo Game Color acrylic paint equivalents (#1B3C9E)
Imperial Blue (72.020) is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Imperial Blue (72.020) equivalent is SC-33 Cobalt Blue (Scale75) (ΔE 4.1).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for Imperial Blue (72.020).
For Army Painter, the closest match to Imperial Blue (72.020) is Ultramarine Blue (Army Painter) (ΔE 4.9).
Vallejo Game Color
acrylic
#1B3C9E
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Direct answer
Which equivalent should you pick for Imperial Blue (72.020)?
The closest cross-brand equivalent to Imperial Blue (72.020) in the current local catalogue is Altdorf Guard Blue from Citadel (Games Workshop) (Delta-E 3.59).
- Closest overall: Altdorf Guard Blue (Citadel (Games Workshop), Delta-E 3.59)
- Closest Vallejo: Flat Blue (70.962) (Delta-E 6.54)
- Closest Army Painter: Ultramarine Blue (Delta-E 4.87)
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:
- Coverage: reliable — check how many coats are needed for full opacity
- Thinning: controlled thinning — verify the right ratio for your technique
- Recommended primer: the primer already used in your recipe — keep the same surface preparation
- Test swatch: always test the substitute on a spare part first
- Recipe check: compare with the full wash and highlight sequence
Need the paint card for Imperial Blue (72.020)?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
Frequently asked questions
Imperial Blue (72.020) is a paint from Vallejo Game Color. 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, Imperial Blue (72.020) is currently part of the Vallejo Game Color 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.
Imperial Blue (72.020) is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Imperial Blue (72.020) equivalent is SC-33 Cobalt Blue (Scale75) (ΔE 4.1).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for Imperial Blue (72.020).
For Army Painter, the closest match to Imperial Blue (72.020) is Ultramarine Blue (Army Painter) (ΔE 4.9).
Imperial Blue (72.020) is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Imperial Blue (72.020) equivalent is SC-33 Cobalt Blue (Scale75) with Delta E 4.1. No close Vallejo equivalent found for Imperial Blue (72.020). For Army Painter, the closest match to Imperial Blue (72.020) is Ultramarine Blue (Army Painter) with Delta E 4.9.
Imperial Blue (72.020) Vallejo equivalent
No Vallejo equivalent within an acceptable colour distance was found for Imperial Blue (72.020).
Imperial Blue (72.020) Army Painter equivalent
The best Army Painter option is Ultramarine Blue (Army Painter) with Delta E 4.9.
Imperial Blue (72.020) equivalent and alternative: brand comparison
As a paint, Imperial Blue (72.020) requires specific handling that affects how any substitute performs. The colour sits in the deep blue range.
Brand comparison
- Closest equivalent : SC-33 Cobalt Blue (Scale75) – ΔE 4.1
- Closest Vallejo option : no close Vallejo equivalent
- Closest Army Painter option : Ultramarine Blue (Army Painter) – ΔE 4.9
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 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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