What is the difference between Steel Legion Drab and RLM 81 Brown Violet?

ΔE 9 (close). RLM 81 Brown Violet is more muted. Swatch colours are estimates.

Steel Legion Drab vs RLM 81 Brown Violet

Steel Legion Drab

Brand: Citadel / Warhammer
Range: Colour: Base
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #5a4a3a (estimate)

RLM 81 Brown Violet

Brand: Mr. Hobby
Range: Mr. Color
Code: C-121
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #4b4c43 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 9.4, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. RLM 81 Brown Violet is more muted than Steel Legion Drab.

Can I use RLM 81 Brown Violet instead of Steel Legion Drab?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). RLM 81 Brown Violet is more muted than Steel Legion Drab.

Can I use Steel Legion Drab instead of RLM 81 Brown Violet?

The same difference applies the other way round: Steel Legion Drab is more saturated.

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 Steel Legion Drab on the colour wheel See RLM 81 Brown Violet on the colour wheel

Other Mr. Hobby paints close to Steel Legion Drab

Steel Legion Drab vs Dark Earth BS381C/450 (C-369)Mr. Color · ΔE 5, very close · closer than RLM 81 Brown Violet
Steel Legion Drab vs Dark Earth (C-22)Mr. Color · ΔE 6, close · closer than RLM 81 Brown Violet
Steel Legion Drab vs Dark Earth (N-72)Acrysion · ΔE 6, close · closer than RLM 81 Brown Violet

Other Citadel paints close to RLM 81 Brown Violet

RLM 81 Brown Violet vs Skavenblight DingeColour: Layer · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Steel Legion Drab
RLM 81 Brown Violet vs Eshin GreyColour: Layer · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Steel Legion Drab
RLM 81 Brown Violet vs Mechanicus Standard GreyColour: Base · ΔE 12, fair

All matches: Steel Legion Drab equivalents · RLM 81 Brown Violet equivalents