What is the difference between Obsidian Skin and Dark Earth?

ΔE 7 (close). Dark Earth is a little lighter. Swatch colours are estimates.

Obsidian Skin vs Dark Earth

Obsidian Skin

Brand: Army Painter
Range: Warpaints Fanatic
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #4b4344 (estimate)

Dark Earth

Brand: Mr. Hobby
Range: Mr. Color
Code: C-22
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #524b42 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 7.0, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Dark Earth is a little lighter than Obsidian Skin.

Can I use Dark Earth instead of Obsidian Skin?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Dark Earth is a little lighter than Obsidian Skin.

Can I use Obsidian Skin instead of Dark Earth?

The same difference applies the other way round: Obsidian Skin is a little 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 Obsidian Skin on the colour wheel See Dark Earth on the colour wheel

Other Mr. Hobby paints close to Obsidian Skin

Obsidian Skin vs RLM 74 Dark Gray (H-68)Aqueous Hobby Color · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Dark Earth
Obsidian Skin vs Ground Color (C-522)Mr. Color · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Dark Earth
Obsidian Skin vs JMSDF 2705 Dark Gray N4 (C-608)Mr. Color · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Dark Earth

Other Army Painter paints close to Dark Earth

Dark Earth vs Dark Boot Brown (WP4126P)Warpaints Historical · ΔE 7, close · closer than Obsidian Skin
Dark Earth vs Onyx SkinWarpaints Legacy · ΔE 7, close
Dark Earth vs Ammo Pouch Brown (WP4130P)Warpaints Historical · ΔE 8, close

All matches: Obsidian Skin equivalents · Dark Earth equivalents