Interference Gold (Fine) vs Steel (Metallic)

How close are they?

ΔE 7.0, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Steel (Metallic) is a little lighter, more muted than Interference Gold (Fine). They are different kinds of paint: Golden Interference Gold (Fine) is a pearl paint and Vallejo Steel (Metallic) is a metallic, so they won’t behave the same on the model even where the colour is close.

Can I use Steel (Metallic) instead of Interference Gold (Fine)?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Steel (Metallic) is a little lighter, more muted than Interference Gold (Fine). They are different kinds of paint.

Can I use Interference Gold (Fine) instead of Steel (Metallic)?

The same difference applies the other way round: Interference Gold (Fine) is a little darker, 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.