Carbon Black vs Smoke Ink

How close are they?

ΔE 7.4, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Smoke Ink is a little darker, more saturated than Carbon Black.

Can I use Smoke Ink instead of Carbon Black?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Smoke Ink is a little darker, more saturated than Carbon Black.

Can I use Carbon Black instead of Smoke Ink?

The same difference applies the other way round: Carbon Black is a little lighter, 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.