Cobalt Metal vs Starship Steel

How close are they?

ΔE 6.6, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Starship Steel is more muted, warmer than Cobalt Metal.

Can I use Starship Steel instead of Cobalt Metal?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Starship Steel is more muted, warmer than Cobalt Metal.

Can I use Cobalt Metal instead of Starship Steel?

The same difference applies the other way round: Cobalt Metal is more saturated, 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.