What is the difference between Pure Black and Dark Grey?

ΔE 9 (close). Dark Grey is a little lighter, more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Pure Black vs Dark Grey

Pure Black

Brand: Reaper
Range: Master Series Paints
Code: 09037
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #191919 (estimate)

Dark Grey

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.994
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #282830 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 9.5, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Dark Grey is a little lighter, more saturated than Pure Black.

Can I use Dark Grey instead of Pure Black?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). Dark Grey is a little lighter, more saturated than Pure Black.

Can I use Pure Black instead of Dark Grey?

The same difference applies the other way round: Pure Black is a little darker, 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 Pure Black on the colour wheel See Dark Grey on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Pure Black

Pure Black vs Gloss Black (70.861)Model Color · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Dark Grey
Pure Black vs Black (70.950)Model Color · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Dark Grey
Pure Black vs Black Grey (70.862)Model Color · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Dark Grey

Other Reaper paints close to Dark Grey

Dark Grey vs Midnight Blue (09019)Master Series Paints · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Pure Black
Dark Grey vs Nightshade Purple (09022)Master Series Paints · ΔE 6, close · closer than Pure Black
Dark Grey vs Steely Blue (09151)Master Series Paints · ΔE 9, close · closer than Pure Black

All matches: Pure Black equivalents · Dark Grey equivalents