Matt Black vs Barrel Grey

How close are they?

ΔE 9.7, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Barrel Grey is a little lighter, more saturated than Matt Black.

Can I use Barrel Grey instead of Matt Black?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 10). Barrel Grey is a little lighter, more saturated than Matt Black.

Can I use Matt Black instead of Barrel Grey?

The same difference applies the other way round: Matt Black 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.