What is the difference between Russian Blue and IDF Blue?

ΔE 9 (close). IDF Blue is a little lighter, more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Russian Blue vs IDF Blue

Russian Blue

Brand: AK Interactive
Range: AK Quick Gen
Code: AK17078
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #435f6b (estimate)

IDF Blue

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.113
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #4f7287 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 9.3, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. IDF Blue is a little lighter, more saturated than Russian Blue.

Can I use IDF Blue instead of Russian Blue?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). IDF Blue is a little lighter, more saturated than Russian Blue.

Can I use Russian Blue instead of IDF Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Russian Blue is a little darker, more muted.

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 Russian Blue on the colour wheel See IDF Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Russian Blue

Russian Blue vs USAF Light Blue (71.111)Model Air · ΔE 5, very close · closer than IDF Blue
Russian Blue vs Intermediate Blue (71.299)Model Air · ΔE 5, very close · closer than IDF Blue
Russian Blue vs Faded P.R.U. Blue (71.109)Model Air · ΔE 5, very close · closer than IDF Blue

Other AK Interactive paints close to IDF Blue

IDF Blue vs RAF PRU Blue BS381C/636 (AK11852)3rd Gen Air Series · ΔE 7, close · closer than Russian Blue
IDF Blue vs Strong Grey (AK17044)AK Quick Gen · ΔE 8, close · closer than Russian Blue
IDF Blue vs Winter Grey (AK17041)AK Quick Gen · ΔE 9, close

All matches: Russian Blue equivalents · IDF Blue equivalents