What is the difference between Gloss Aluminum and Black (Metallic)?

ΔE 6 (close). Black (Metallic) is a little lighter. Swatch colours are estimates.

Gloss Aluminum vs Black (Metallic)

Gloss Aluminum

Brand: Tamiya
Range: TS Spray
Code: TS-17
Type: a metallic
Swatch: #d2d2d2 (estimate)

Black (Metallic)

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.073
Type: a metallic
Swatch: #e5e2e4 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 6.1, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Black (Metallic) is a little lighter than Gloss Aluminum.

Can I use Black (Metallic) instead of Gloss Aluminum?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 6). Black (Metallic) is a little lighter than Gloss Aluminum.

Can I use Gloss Aluminum instead of Black (Metallic)?

The same difference applies the other way round: Gloss Aluminum is a little darker.

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 Gloss Aluminum on the colour wheel See Black (Metallic) on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Gloss Aluminum

Gloss Aluminum vs Chainmail (72.053)Game Color Metallic · ΔE 2, very close · closer than Black (Metallic)
Gloss Aluminum vs Arctic Blue (Metal.) (71.071)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Black (Metallic)
Gloss Aluminum vs Silver (72.052)Game Color Metallic · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Black (Metallic)

Other Tamiya paints close to Black (Metallic)

Black (Metallic) vs Translucent Silver (PS-36)PS Spray (polycarbonate) · ΔE 6, close
Black (Metallic) vs Metallic Silver (Chrome) (PS-48)PS Spray (polycarbonate) · ΔE 6, close
Black (Metallic) vs Mica Silver (TS-76)TS Spray · ΔE 6, close

All matches: Gloss Aluminum equivalents · Black (Metallic) equivalents