What is the difference between 3B AU/ZB AU and Hardened Carapace?

ΔE 11 (fair). Hardened Carapace is a little lighter. Swatch colours are estimates.

3B AU/ZB AU vs Hardened Carapace

3B AU/ZB AU

Brand: AK Interactive
Range: 3rd Gen AFV Series
Code: AK11387
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #13190d (estimate)

Hardened Carapace

Brand: Army Painter
Range: Warpaints Legacy
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #2c241f (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 10.9, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Hardened Carapace is a little lighter than 3B AU/ZB AU.

Can I use Hardened Carapace instead of 3B AU/ZB AU?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 11). Hardened Carapace is a little lighter than 3B AU/ZB AU.

Can I use 3B AU/ZB AU instead of Hardened Carapace?

The same difference applies the other way round: 3B AU/ZB AU is a little darker.

ΔE is the colour difference between our two swatch estimates: under about 6 is close, over about 15 is loose. Real paints also differ in finish, coverage and how they thin, so test before you commit.

See 3B AU/ZB AU on the colour wheel See Hardened Carapace on the colour wheel

Other Army Painter paints close to 3B AU/ZB AU

3B AU/ZB AU vs Matt BlackWarpaints Air · ΔE 9, close · closer than Hardened Carapace
3B AU/ZB AU vs Magnolia BrownWarpaints Air · ΔE 10, fair · closer than Hardened Carapace
3B AU/ZB AU vs Brigandine BrownWarpaints Fanatic · ΔE 11, fair

Other AK Interactive paints close to Hardened Carapace

Hardened Carapace vs Brown Black (AK17047)AK Quick Gen · ΔE 4, very close · closer than 3B AU/ZB AU
Hardened Carapace vs Tenebrous Grey (AK11026)3rd Gen Standard · ΔE 5, very close · closer than 3B AU/ZB AU
Hardened Carapace vs WWI French Green 2 (AK11306)3rd Gen AFV Series · ΔE 6, close · closer than 3B AU/ZB AU

All matches: 3B AU/ZB AU equivalents · Hardened Carapace equivalents