What is the difference between RLM 81 Version 1 and Steel Legion Drab?

ΔE 8 (close). Steel Legion Drab is a little darker, warmer. Swatch colours are estimates.

RLM 81 Version 1 vs Steel Legion Drab

RLM 81 Version 1

Brand: AK Interactive
Range: 3rd Gen Air Series
Code: AK11835
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #585745 (estimate)

Steel Legion Drab

Brand: Citadel / Warhammer
Range: Colour: Base
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #5a4a3a (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 8.3, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Steel Legion Drab is a little darker, warmer than RLM 81 Version 1.

Can I use Steel Legion Drab instead of RLM 81 Version 1?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 8). Steel Legion Drab is a little darker, warmer than RLM 81 Version 1.

Can I use RLM 81 Version 1 instead of Steel Legion Drab?

The same difference applies the other way round: RLM 81 Version 1 is a little lighter, cooler.

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 RLM 81 Version 1 on the colour wheel See Steel Legion Drab on the colour wheel

Other Citadel paints close to RLM 81 Version 1

RLM 81 Version 1 vs Death Korps DrabColour: Base · ΔE 8, close
RLM 81 Version 1 vs Stormvermin FurColour: Layer · ΔE 8, close
RLM 81 Version 1 vs Skavenblight DingeColour: Layer · ΔE 9, close

Other AK Interactive paints close to Steel Legion Drab

Steel Legion Drab vs RLM 81 Version 3 (AK11837)3rd Gen Air Series · ΔE 5, very close · closer than RLM 81 Version 1
Steel Legion Drab vs Dot44 Brown Base (AK11408)3rd Gen Figure Series · ΔE 5, very close · closer than RLM 81 Version 1
Steel Legion Drab vs IJA #31 Cha Kasshoku (Tea Colour) (AK11906)3rd Gen Air Series · ΔE 6, very close · closer than RLM 81 Version 1

All matches: RLM 81 Version 1 equivalents · Steel Legion Drab equivalents