Aluminium vs Sterling Silver

How close are they?

ΔE 8.8, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Sterling Silver is a little darker, more saturated than Aluminium.

Can I use Sterling Silver instead of Aluminium?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). Sterling Silver is a little darker, more saturated than Aluminium.

Can I use Aluminium instead of Sterling Silver?

The same difference applies the other way round: Aluminium is a little lighter, 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.