What is the difference between Paynes Gray and French Blue?

ΔE 26 (loose). French Blue is noticeably lighter, much more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Paynes Gray vs French Blue

Paynes Gray

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

French Blue

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.088
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #294370 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 25.8, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. French Blue is noticeably lighter, much more saturated than Paynes Gray.

Can I use French Blue instead of Paynes Gray?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 26). French Blue is noticeably lighter, much more saturated than Paynes Gray.

Can I use Paynes Gray instead of French Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Paynes Gray is noticeably 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 French 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 French Blue
Paynes Gray vs Glossy Sea Blue (71.300)Model Air · ΔE 2, very close · closer than French Blue
Paynes Gray vs Signal Blue (71.091)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than French Blue

Other Golden paints close to French Blue

French Blue vs Cerulean Blue Deep (PB36)Heavy Body Acrylics · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Paynes Gray
French Blue vs Azurite HueHeavy Body Acrylics · ΔE 14, fair · closer than Paynes Gray
French Blue vs Prussian Blue Hue (PBk9 / PB15:0 / PV23)Heavy Body Acrylics · ΔE 17, loose · closer than Paynes Gray

All matches: Paynes Gray equivalents · French Blue equivalents