Cold Steel vs Cobalt Metal

How close are they?

ΔE 10.7, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Cobalt Metal is a little darker, more saturated, cooler than Cold Steel.

Can I use Cobalt Metal instead of Cold Steel?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 11). Cobalt Metal is a little darker, more saturated, cooler than Cold Steel.

Can I use Cold Steel instead of Cobalt Metal?

The same difference applies the other way round: Cold Steel is a little lighter, more muted, warmer.

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.