What is the difference between N8 Neutral Gray and Smoke Ink?

ΔE 56 (loose). Smoke Ink is noticeably darker, more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

N8 Neutral Gray vs Smoke Ink

N8 Neutral Gray

Brand: Golden
Range: High Flow
Code: 8520
Type: an ink, glaze or transparent paint
Swatch: #d7d7d4 (estimate)

Smoke Ink

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.939
Type: an ink, glaze or transparent paint
Swatch: #514345 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 56.4, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Smoke Ink is noticeably darker, more saturated than N8 Neutral Gray.

Can I use Smoke Ink instead of N8 Neutral Gray?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 56). Smoke Ink is noticeably darker, more saturated than N8 Neutral Gray.

Can I use N8 Neutral Gray instead of Smoke Ink?

The same difference applies the other way round: N8 Neutral Gray is noticeably 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 N8 Neutral Gray on the colour wheel See Smoke Ink on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to N8 Neutral Gray

N8 Neutral Gray vs Ink White (72.082)Game Color Ink · ΔE 14, fair · closer than Smoke Ink
N8 Neutral Gray vs Mahogany Ink (70.828)Model Color · ΔE 57, loose
N8 Neutral Gray vs Ink Green (72.089)Game Color Ink · ΔE 63, loose

Other Golden paints close to Smoke Ink

Smoke Ink vs Carbon Black (PBk7)High Flow · ΔE 7, close · closer than N8 Neutral Gray
Smoke Ink vs Raw Umber (8544)High Flow · ΔE 8, close · closer than N8 Neutral Gray
Smoke Ink vs Mars Black (8518)High Flow · ΔE 14, fair · closer than N8 Neutral Gray

All matches: N8 Neutral Gray equivalents · Smoke Ink equivalents