Ultramar Blue vs Imperial Blue

Ultramar Blue

Brand
Citadel / Warhammer
Range
Tone Pro
Code
T3
Type
an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch
#1b4f86 (estimate)

Imperial Blue

Brand
Vallejo
Range
Game Color
Code
72.020
Type
an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch
#30518d (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 5.2, very close: most people won’t see a difference side by side. Imperial Blue is warmer than Ultramar Blue.

Can I use Imperial Blue instead of Ultramar Blue?

Yes, for most jobs. Very close match (ΔE 5). Imperial Blue is warmer than Ultramar Blue.

Can I use Ultramar Blue instead of Imperial Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Ultramar Blue is 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 Ultramar Blue on the colour wheel See Imperial Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Ultramar Blue

Other Citadel paints close to Imperial Blue

All matches: Ultramar Blue equivalents · Imperial Blue equivalents

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