What is the difference between N5 Neutral Gray and USAF Light Blue?

ΔE 16 (loose). USAF Light Blue is a little darker, more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

N5 Neutral Gray vs USAF Light Blue

N5 Neutral Gray

Brand: Golden
Range: Heavy Body Acrylics
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #717774 (estimate)

USAF Light Blue

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.111
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #4d6476 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 16.0, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. USAF Light Blue is a little darker, more saturated than N5 Neutral Gray.

Can I use USAF Light Blue instead of N5 Neutral Gray?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 16). USAF Light Blue is a little darker, more saturated than N5 Neutral Gray.

Can I use N5 Neutral Gray instead of USAF Light Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: N5 Neutral Gray 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.

See N5 Neutral Gray on the colour wheel See USAF Light Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to N5 Neutral Gray

N5 Neutral Gray vs Medium Sea Grey (70.870)Model Color · ΔE 3, very close · closer than USAF Light Blue
N5 Neutral Gray vs Dark Gull Gray (71.277)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than USAF Light Blue
N5 Neutral Gray vs Grey Green (71.340)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than USAF Light Blue

Other Golden paints close to USAF Light Blue

USAF Light Blue vs N4 Neutral GrayHeavy Body Acrylics · ΔE 13, fair · closer than N5 Neutral Gray
USAF Light Blue vs Turquois (Phthalo) (PG7 / PB15:3)Heavy Body Acrylics · ΔE 15, loose · closer than N5 Neutral Gray
USAF Light Blue vs Cobalt Turquois (PB36)Heavy Body Acrylics · ΔE 16, loose · closer than N5 Neutral Gray

All matches: N5 Neutral Gray equivalents · USAF Light Blue equivalents