What is the difference between Matt Black and Semi Gloss Black?

ΔE 12 (fair). Semi Gloss Black is noticeably lighter. Swatch colours are estimates.

Matt Black vs Semi Gloss Black

Matt Black

Brand: Army Painter
Range: Warpaints Historical
Code: WP4020P
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #000000 (estimate)

Semi Gloss Black

Brand: Mr. Hobby
Range: Mr. Color
Code: C-92
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #231f20 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 12.4, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Semi Gloss Black is noticeably lighter than Matt Black.

Can I use Semi Gloss Black instead of Matt Black?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 12). Semi Gloss Black is noticeably lighter than Matt Black.

Can I use Matt Black instead of Semi Gloss Black?

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

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 Matt Black on the colour wheel See Semi Gloss Black on the colour wheel

Other Mr. Hobby paints close to Matt Black

Matt Black vs Gloss Seablue FS151042 (C-365)Mr. Color · ΔE 7, close · closer than Semi Gloss Black
Matt Black vs Black (C-2)Mr. Color · ΔE 12, fair
Matt Black vs Flat Black (C-33)Mr. Color · ΔE 12, fair

Other Army Painter paints close to Semi Gloss Black

Semi Gloss Black vs Dark Olive (WP4023P)Warpaints Historical · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Matt Black
Semi Gloss Black vs Brigandine BrownWarpaints Fanatic · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Matt Black
Semi Gloss Black vs Hardened CarapaceWarpaints Legacy · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Matt Black

All matches: Matt Black equivalents · Semi Gloss Black equivalents