What is the difference between Mica Silver and Black (Metallic)?

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

Mica Silver vs Black (Metallic)

Mica Silver

Brand: Tamiya
Range: TS Spray
Code: TS-76
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 Mica Silver.

Can I use Black (Metallic) instead of Mica Silver?

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

Can I use Mica Silver instead of Black (Metallic)?

The same difference applies the other way round: Mica Silver 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 Mica Silver on the colour wheel See Black (Metallic) on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Mica Silver

Mica Silver vs Chainmail (72.053)Game Color Metallic · ΔE 2, very close · closer than Black (Metallic)
Mica Silver vs Arctic Blue (Metal.) (71.071)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Black (Metallic)
Mica Silver 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 Gloss Aluminum (TS-17)TS Spray · ΔE 6, close

All matches: Mica Silver equivalents · Black (Metallic) equivalents