What is the difference between Light Gray (IJN) and Light Blue RLM76?

ΔE 7 (close). Light Blue RLM76 is more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Light Gray (IJN) vs Light Blue RLM76

Light Gray (IJN)

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

Light Blue RLM76

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.257
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #8ba59f (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 6.9, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Light Blue RLM76 is more saturated than Light Gray (IJN).

Can I use Light Blue RLM76 instead of Light Gray (IJN)?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Light Blue RLM76 is more saturated than Light Gray (IJN).

Can I use Light Gray (IJN) instead of Light Blue RLM76?

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 RLM76 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 RLM76
Light Gray (IJN) vs Light Gull Gray (71.121)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Light Blue RLM76
Light Gray (IJN) vs Russ. AF Grey Blue (71.338)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Light Blue RLM76

Other Tamiya paints close to Light Blue RLM76

Light Blue RLM76 vs Light Gray (IJA) (AS-18)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Light Gray (IJN)
Light Blue RLM76 vs Medium Sea Gray 2 (RAF) (XF-83)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Light Gray (IJN)
Light Blue RLM76 vs Medium Sea Gray (RAF) (AS-32)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Light Gray (IJN)

All matches: Light Gray (IJN) equivalents · Light Blue RLM76 equivalents