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

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

Clear Blue vs Russian AF Blue

Clear Blue

Brand: Tamiya
Range: X Gloss Acrylic
Code: X-23
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #00aff0 (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 17.0, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Russian AF Blue is noticeably darker, much more muted, cooler than Clear Blue.

Can I use Russian AF Blue instead of Clear Blue?

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

Can I use Clear Blue instead of Russian AF Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Clear Blue is noticeably lighter, much more saturated, 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 Clear Blue on the colour wheel See Russian AF Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Clear Blue

Clear Blue vs Light Sea Blue (71.089)Model Air · ΔE 9, close · closer than Russian AF Blue
Clear Blue vs Magic Blue (72.021)Game Color · ΔE 15, fair · closer than Russian AF Blue
Clear Blue vs Deep Sky Blue (70.844)Model Color · ΔE 16, loose · closer than Russian AF Blue

Other Tamiya paints close to Russian AF Blue

Russian AF Blue vs Intermediate Blue (US Navy) (AS-19)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 8, close · closer than Clear Blue
Russian AF Blue vs Field Blue (XF-50)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 8, close · closer than Clear Blue
Russian AF Blue vs Medium Blue (XF-18)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 9, close · closer than Clear Blue

All matches: Clear Blue equivalents · Russian AF Blue equivalents