What is the difference between Gray and IDF Blue?

ΔE 7 (close). IDF Blue is a little lighter, more saturated, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Gray vs IDF Blue

Gray

Brand: Mr. Hobby
Range: Aqueous Hobby Color
Code: H-22
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #536577 (estimate)

IDF Blue

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.113
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #4f7287 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 6.9, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. IDF Blue is a little lighter, more saturated, cooler than Gray.

Can I use IDF Blue instead of Gray?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). IDF Blue is a little lighter, more saturated, cooler than Gray.

Can I use Gray instead of IDF Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Gray is a little darker, more muted, warmer.

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 Gray on the colour wheel See IDF Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Gray

Gray vs USAF Light Blue (71.111)Model Air · ΔE 2, very close · closer than IDF Blue
Gray vs Intermediate Blue (71.299)Model Air · ΔE 2, very close · closer than IDF Blue
Gray vs Ocean Gray (71.273)Model Air · ΔE 5, very close · closer than IDF Blue

Other Mr. Hobby paints close to IDF Blue

IDF Blue vs Intermediate Blue FS35164 (C-366)Mr. Color · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Gray
IDF Blue vs Gray (Grau) (C-514)Mr. Color · ΔE 6, close · closer than Gray
IDF Blue vs Gray (Grau) (H-514)Aqueous Hobby Color · ΔE 6, close · closer than Gray

All matches: Gray equivalents · IDF Blue equivalents