What is the difference between Light Gray (IJN) and Light Blue RLM65?

ΔE 8 (close). Light Blue RLM65 is more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Light Gray (IJN) vs Light Blue RLM65

Light Gray (IJN)

Brand: Tamiya
Range: AS Spray (aircraft)
Code: AS-2
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #929b98 (estimate)

Light Blue RLM65

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.255
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #7d9b95 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 8.1, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Light Blue RLM65 is more saturated than Light Gray (IJN).

Can I use Light Blue RLM65 instead of Light Gray (IJN)?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 8). Light Blue RLM65 is more saturated than Light Gray (IJN).

Can I use Light Gray (IJN) instead of Light Blue RLM65?

The same difference applies the other way round: Light Gray (IJN) is 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 Light Gray (IJN) on the colour wheel See Light Blue RLM65 on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Light Gray (IJN)

Light Gray (IJN) vs Sky Grey (70.989)Model Color · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Light Blue RLM65
Light Gray (IJN) vs Light Gull Gray (71.121)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Light Blue RLM65
Light Gray (IJN) vs Russ. AF Grey Blue (71.338)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Light Blue RLM65

Other Tamiya paints close to Light Blue RLM65

Light Blue RLM65 vs Light Gray (IJA) (AS-18)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 8, close · closer than Light Gray (IJN)
Light Blue RLM65 vs Light Blue (Luftwaffe) (AS-5)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 8, close
Light Blue RLM65 vs Medium Sea Gray 2 (RAF) (XF-83)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 10, close

All matches: Light Gray (IJN) equivalents · Light Blue RLM65 equivalents