Dark Blue vs Imperial Blue

How close are they?

ΔE 9.5, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Imperial Blue is a little lighter, more muted than Dark Blue.

Can I use Imperial Blue instead of Dark Blue?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 10). Imperial Blue is a little lighter, more muted than Dark Blue.

Can I use Dark Blue instead of Imperial Blue?

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

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.