The stored digital swatch for Rough Iron is a dark muted metallic silver with a neutral cast. For a possible shade and highlight, compare Death Metal and Gun Metal, both The Army Painter paints selected from the digital catalog. The leading same-type candidate, Tamiya Dark Iron, scores 80 percent digital color similarity, below our close-color tier. The score describes approximate digital colors, so assess any candidate on a test piece.
Rough Iron equivalents in other ranges
Review paint type as well as the color score for Rough Iron. These are approximate digital references, and a matching medium or sheen is not established by the group label.
Closest Tamiya equivalent: Tamiya XF-84 Dark Iron, a larger difference between the stored swatches (delta E 4.0).
Nearest in the Vallejo catalog: Vallejo Oily Steel, a broader digital color reference (delta E 4.1).
Best Citadel option: Citadel Ironbreaker, a larger difference between the stored swatches (delta E 4.2).
From Monument Pro Acryl: Monument Pro Acryl Steel, a broader digital color reference (delta E 4.3).
Our digital comparison places Tamiya Dark Iron slightly warmer than the original swatch. Use that as a clue for selecting test paints, not a prediction of dried-paint appearance.
How to read the score
96–100Very close color
88–95Close color
78–87Similar color
0–77Loose color match
Scores compare approximate digital swatches. Test the paint before substituting.
Tamiya
Vallejo
Citadel
Monument Pro Acryl
Two Thin Coats
Humbrol
P3 Paints
Scale75
AK Interactive
Green Stuff World
Revell
About this color
Color profile
Highlight and shade ladder
Match difficulty
Found in 1 other brand with a similar digital color in the same catalog paint-type group.
Possible uses for this color
Frequently asked
What is the closest equivalent to The Army Painter Rough Iron?
The leading match in the same broad paint-type group is Tamiya Dark Iron at 80% digital color similarity. Check sheen, medium and coverage before substituting.
Is there a Vallejo equivalent of Rough Iron?
A Vallejo candidate to check is Oily Steel at 79% digital color similarity in the same broad paint-type group. A physical test is still needed.
What finish is Rough Iron?
The catalog classifies Rough Iron as metallic, with its digital swatch in the silver family. A flat digital color cannot represent metallic reflection or flake appearance. Check the actual product before substituting another metallic or a standard paint.
What do I highlight and shade Rough Iron with?
The digital catalog suggests testing Gun Metal for a lighter step and Death Metal for a darker step, both from The Army Painter. These are computed color suggestions, not tested layering recipes.