What is the difference between Paynes Gray and Blue?

ΔE 18 (loose). Blue is a little lighter, much more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Paynes Gray vs Blue

Paynes Gray

Brand: Golden
Range: Heavy Body Acrylics
Code: PB29 / PBk7
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #202731 (estimate)

Blue

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.925
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #312d4f (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 17.8, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Blue is a little lighter, much more saturated than Paynes Gray.

Can I use Blue instead of Paynes Gray?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 18). Blue is a little lighter, much more saturated than Paynes Gray.

Can I use Paynes Gray instead of Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Paynes Gray is a little darker, much 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 Paynes Gray on the colour wheel See Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Paynes Gray

Paynes Gray vs Dark Sea Blue (70.898)Model Color · ΔE 2, very close · closer than Blue
Paynes Gray vs Glossy Sea Blue (71.300)Model Air · ΔE 2, very close · closer than Blue
Paynes Gray vs Signal Blue (71.091)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Blue

Other Golden paints close to Blue

Blue vs Prussian Blue Hue (PBk9 / PB15:0 / PV23)Heavy Body Acrylics · ΔE 11, fair · closer than Paynes Gray
Blue vs Cerulean Blue Deep (PB36)Heavy Body Acrylics · ΔE 15, fair · closer than Paynes Gray
Blue vs Dioxazine Purple (PV23)Heavy Body Acrylics · ΔE 19, loose

All matches: Paynes Gray equivalents · Blue equivalents