What is the difference between Light Blue and Russian AF Blue?

ΔE 17 (loose). Russian AF Blue is noticeably darker, more muted. Swatch colours are estimates.

Light Blue vs Russian AF Blue

Light Blue

Brand: Mr. Hobby
Range: Aqueous Hobby Color
Code: H-323
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #1cb6f1 (estimate)

Russian AF Blue

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.333
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #3692bb (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 16.7, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Russian AF Blue is noticeably darker, more muted than Light Blue.

Can I use Russian AF Blue instead of Light Blue?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 17). Russian AF Blue is noticeably darker, more muted than Light Blue.

Can I use Light Blue instead of Russian AF Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Light Blue is noticeably lighter, more saturated.

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 Light Blue on the colour wheel See Russian AF Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Light Blue

Light Blue vs Light Sea Blue (71.089)Model Air · ΔE 7, close · closer than Russian AF Blue
Light Blue vs Electric Blue (72.023)Game Color · ΔE 16, loose · closer than Russian AF Blue
Light Blue vs Deep Sky Blue (70.844)Model Color · ΔE 17, loose

Other Mr. Hobby paints close to Russian AF Blue

Russian AF Blue vs Interior Blue Soviet (C-392)Mr. Color · ΔE 9, close · closer than Light Blue
Russian AF Blue vs JASDF Shallow Ocean Blue (C-374)Mr. Color · ΔE 14, fair · closer than Light Blue
Russian AF Blue vs Azure Blue (C-370)Mr. Color · ΔE 14, fair · closer than Light Blue

All matches: Light Blue equivalents · Russian AF Blue equivalents