What is the difference between Sapphire Gem and Imperium Blue?

ΔE 25 (loose). Imperium Blue is noticeably darker, more saturated, warmer. Swatch colours are estimates.

Sapphire Gem vs Imperium Blue

Sapphire Gem

Brand: Army Painter
Range: Warpaints Air
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #1a68b8 (estimate)

Imperium Blue

Brand: Green Stuff World
Range: Acrylic Colors
Code: 1846
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #0e3590 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 25.4, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Imperium Blue is noticeably darker, more saturated, warmer than Sapphire Gem.

Can I use Imperium Blue instead of Sapphire Gem?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 25). Imperium Blue is noticeably darker, more saturated, warmer than Sapphire Gem.

Can I use Sapphire Gem instead of Imperium Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Sapphire Gem is noticeably lighter, more muted, 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.

See Sapphire Gem on the colour wheel See Imperium Blue on the colour wheel

Other Green Stuff World paints close to Sapphire Gem

Sapphire Gem vs Summersea Blue (1793)Acrylic Colors · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Imperium Blue
Sapphire Gem vs Blue Base (4115)Opaque Colors · ΔE 19, loose · closer than Imperium Blue
Sapphire Gem vs Marine Blue (1792)Acrylic Colors · ΔE 24, loose · closer than Imperium Blue

Other Army Painter paints close to Imperium Blue

Imperium Blue vs Ultramarine BlueWarpaints Air · ΔE 13, fair · closer than Sapphire Gem
Imperium Blue vs Alien PurpleWarpaints Air · ΔE 15, fair · closer than Sapphire Gem
Imperium Blue vs Alien PurpleWarpaints Fanatic · ΔE 18, loose · closer than Sapphire Gem

All matches: Sapphire Gem equivalents · Imperium Blue equivalents