What is the difference between Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) and Steel Blue?

ΔE 8 (close). Steel Blue is a little darker, more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) vs Steel Blue

Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau)

Brand: Mr. Hobby
Range: Aqueous Hobby Color
Code: H-513
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #384553 (estimate)

Steel Blue

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.087
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #1e394e (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 8.5, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Steel Blue is a little darker, more saturated than Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau).

Can I use Steel Blue instead of Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau)?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 8). Steel Blue is a little darker, more saturated than Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau).

Can I use Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) instead of Steel Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) 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 Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) on the colour wheel See Steel Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau)

Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) vs Grey Blue (71.005)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Steel Blue
Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) vs Blue Grey (71.115)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Steel Blue
Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) vs Dark Grey Blue (71.054)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Steel Blue

Other Mr. Hobby paints close to Steel Blue

Steel Blue vs RLM 70 Black Green (C-18)Mr. Color · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau)
Steel Blue vs Extra Dark Seagray BS381C/640 (H-333)Aqueous Hobby Color · ΔE 8, close · closer than Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau)
Steel Blue vs Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) (C-513)Mr. Color · ΔE 8, close

All matches: Dark Gray (Dunkel Grau) equivalents · Steel Blue equivalents