Iron Hands Steel vs Speed Metal

How close are they?

ΔE 13.2, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Speed Metal is noticeably lighter, more saturated than Iron Hands Steel.

Can I use Speed Metal instead of Iron Hands Steel?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 13). Speed Metal is noticeably lighter, more saturated than Iron Hands Steel.

Can I use Iron Hands Steel instead of Speed Metal?

The same difference applies the other way round: Iron Hands Steel is noticeably 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.