What is the difference between German Gray and IDF Blue?

ΔE 9 (close). IDF Blue is a little lighter, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

German Gray vs IDF Blue

German Gray

Brand: Tamiya
Range: XF Flat Acrylic
Code: XF-63
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #39616d (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 9.4, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. IDF Blue is a little lighter, cooler than German Gray.

Can I use IDF Blue instead of German Gray?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). IDF Blue is a little lighter, cooler than German Gray.

Can I use German Gray instead of IDF Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: German Gray is a little darker, 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 German Gray on the colour wheel See IDF Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to German Gray

German Gray vs Faded P.R.U. Blue (71.109)Model Air · ΔE 6, very close · closer than IDF Blue
German Gray vs USAF Light Blue (71.111)Model Air · ΔE 7, close · closer than IDF Blue
German Gray vs Intermediate Blue (71.299)Model Air · ΔE 8, close · closer than IDF Blue

Other Tamiya paints close to IDF Blue

IDF Blue vs Field Gray (XF-65)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 5, very close · closer than German Gray
IDF Blue vs Field Gray 2 (TS-78)TS Spray · ΔE 5, very close · closer than German Gray
IDF Blue vs Dark Gray (XF-24)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 5, very close · closer than German Gray

All matches: German Gray equivalents · IDF Blue equivalents