What is the difference between Light Gray (IJN) and Neutral Grey?

ΔE 7 (close). Neutral Grey is a little lighter. Swatch colours are estimates.

Light Gray (IJN) vs Neutral Grey

Light Gray (IJN)

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

Neutral Grey

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Game Color
Code: 72.050
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #a6a09b (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 6.6, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Neutral Grey is a little lighter than Light Gray (IJN).

Can I use Neutral Grey instead of Light Gray (IJN)?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Neutral Grey is a little lighter than Light Gray (IJN).

Can I use Light Gray (IJN) instead of Neutral Grey?

The same difference applies the other way round: Light Gray (IJN) 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 Light Gray (IJN) on the colour wheel See Neutral Grey 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 Neutral Grey
Light Gray (IJN) vs Light Gull Gray (71.121)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Neutral Grey
Light Gray (IJN) vs Russ. AF Grey Blue (71.338)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Neutral Grey

Other Tamiya paints close to Neutral Grey

Neutral Grey vs Medium Sea Gray (AS-11)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 6, close · closer than Light Gray (IJN)
Neutral Grey vs Dark Sea Gray (XF-54)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 8, close
Neutral Grey vs Light Gray (IJA) (AS-18)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 9, close

All matches: Light Gray (IJN) equivalents · Neutral Grey equivalents