Lahmian Medium
Technical
Metallic Paint
Metal Medium (70.521) Vallejo Model Color metallic paint equivalents (#FFFFFF)
Metal Medium (70.521) is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Metal Medium (70.521) equivalent is Lahmian Medium (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 1.2).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for Metal Medium (70.521).
For Army Painter, the closest match to Metal Medium (70.521) is Warpaints Stabilizer (Army Painter) (ΔE 4.8).
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Top 4 closest equivalents
These 4 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.
1
Lahmian MediumCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 1.2slight colour difference, well within acceptable range2
Warpaints StabilizerArmy Painter
ΔE 4.8moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection3
Warpaints RetarderArmy Painter
ΔE 6.5significant colour distance -- test before committing4
Wash MediumArmy Painter
ΔE 6.5significant 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 Metal Medium (70.521)?
The closest cross-brand equivalent to Metal Medium (70.521) in the current local catalogue is Lahmian Medium from Citadel (Games Workshop) (Delta-E 1.2).
- Closest overall: Lahmian Medium (Citadel (Games Workshop), Delta-E 1.2)
- Closest Army Painter: Warpaints Stabilizer (Delta-E 4.75)
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 Metal Medium (70.521)?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
Frequently asked questions
Metal Medium (70.521) is a paint from Vallejo Model 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, Metal Medium (70.521) is currently part of the Vallejo Model 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.
Metal Medium (70.521) is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Metal Medium (70.521) equivalent is Lahmian Medium (Citadel (Games Workshop)) (ΔE 1.2).
No close Vallejo equivalent found for Metal Medium (70.521).
For Army Painter, the closest match to Metal Medium (70.521) is Warpaints Stabilizer (Army Painter) (ΔE 4.8).
Metal Medium (70.521) is a key paint in the Citadel range, valued for its consistent finish and reliable coverage across Warhammer projects.
The closest Metal Medium (70.521) equivalent is Lahmian Medium (Citadel (Games Workshop)) with Delta E 1.2. No close Vallejo equivalent found for Metal Medium (70.521). For Army Painter, the closest match to Metal Medium (70.521) is Warpaints Stabilizer (Army Painter) with Delta E 4.8.
Metal Medium (70.521) Vallejo equivalent
No Vallejo equivalent within an acceptable colour distance was found for Metal Medium (70.521).
Metal Medium (70.521) Army Painter equivalent
The best Army Painter option is Warpaints Stabilizer (Army Painter) with Delta E 4.8.
Metal Medium (70.521) equivalent and alternative: brand comparison
As a paint with metallic pigments, Metal Medium (70.521) reflects light differently than standard colours. The colour sits in the neutral grey range.
Pigment particle size
Metallic paints use metal flakes that vary by brand. Metal Medium (70.521) has a specific particle size.
Black vs white primer
The primer choice affects how Metal Medium (70.521) reads. Over black the metallic appears deeper and richer.
NMM simulation vs true metallic
Metal Medium (70.521) is a true metallic — the flakes do the work of simulating reflections.
Edge highlight preservation
Edge highlights on Metal Medium (70.521) must contrast with the metallic base.
Tarnish and varnish
Metallic paints can tarnish over time. Metal Medium (70.521) may need a varnish seal.
Brand comparison
- Closest equivalent : Lahmian Medium (Citadel (Games Workshop)) – ΔE 1.2
- Closest Vallejo option : no close Vallejo equivalent
- Closest Army Painter option : Warpaints Stabilizer (Army Painter) – ΔE 4.8
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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