Shining Silver vs Cold Steel

How close are they?

ΔE 6.9, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Cold Steel is a little darker than Shining Silver.

Can I use Cold Steel instead of Shining Silver?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Cold Steel is a little darker than Shining Silver.

Can I use Shining Silver instead of Cold Steel?

The same difference applies the other way round: Shining Silver is a little lighter.

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.