What is the difference between Sky Blue and Russian AF Blue?

ΔE 17 (loose). Russian AF Blue is noticeably darker, much more muted, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Sky Blue vs Russian AF Blue

Sky Blue

Brand: Tamiya
Range: X Gloss Acrylic
Code: X-14
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #00aff0 (estimate)

Russian AF Blue

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.333
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #3692bb (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 17.0, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Russian AF Blue is noticeably darker, much more muted, cooler than Sky Blue.

Can I use Russian AF Blue instead of Sky Blue?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 17). Russian AF Blue is noticeably darker, much more muted, cooler than Sky Blue.

Can I use Sky Blue instead of Russian AF Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Sky Blue is noticeably lighter, much more saturated, warmer.

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 Sky Blue on the colour wheel See Russian AF Blue on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Sky Blue

Sky Blue vs Light Sea Blue (71.089)Model Air · ΔE 9, close · closer than Russian AF Blue
Sky Blue vs Magic Blue (72.021)Game Color · ΔE 15, fair · closer than Russian AF Blue
Sky Blue vs Deep Sky Blue (70.844)Model Color · ΔE 16, loose · closer than Russian AF Blue

Other Tamiya paints close to Russian AF Blue

Russian AF Blue vs Intermediate Blue (US Navy) (AS-19)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 8, close · closer than Sky Blue
Russian AF Blue vs Field Blue (XF-50)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 8, close · closer than Sky Blue
Russian AF Blue vs Medium Blue (XF-18)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 9, close · closer than Sky Blue

All matches: Sky Blue equivalents · Russian AF Blue equivalents