What is the difference between RLM 83 and Steel Blue?

ΔE 8 (close). Steel Blue is a little darker, more saturated, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

RLM 83 vs Steel Blue

RLM 83

Brand: AK Interactive
Range: 3rd Gen Air Series
Code: AK11839
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #394555 (estimate)

Steel Blue

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.087
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #1e394e (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 8.1, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Steel Blue is a little darker, more saturated, cooler than RLM 83.

Can I use Steel Blue instead of RLM 83?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 8). Steel Blue is a little darker, more saturated, cooler than RLM 83.

Can I use RLM 83 instead of Steel Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: RLM 83 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.

See RLM 83 on the colour wheel See Steel Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to RLM 83

RLM 83 vs Grey Blue (71.005)Model Air · ΔE 2, very close · closer than Steel Blue
RLM 83 vs Luftwaffe Uniform (70.816)Model Color · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Steel Blue
RLM 83 vs Blue Grey (71.115)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Steel Blue

Other AK Interactive paints close to Steel Blue

Steel Blue vs Medium Blue (AK11184)3rd Gen Standard · ΔE 8, close · closer than RLM 83
Steel Blue vs Oxford (AK11188)3rd Gen Standard · ΔE 8, close
Steel Blue vs Dark Blue (AK11181)3rd Gen Standard · ΔE 9, close

All matches: RLM 83 equivalents · Steel Blue equivalents