RAF Blue sits in the blue family: mid-tone in tone, muted in saturation, cool in cast. No shortage of substitutes here, Grey Blue from Vallejo matches at 86 percent and 3 brands carry a strong same-finish near-match. For modelling, drop to Slate Grey in the recesses and step up to Satin US Medium Grey on the edges, both Humbrol paints. Treat it as an easy swap, just confirm the finish type matches before you commit.
RAF Blue equivalents in other ranges
RAF Blue is awkward to replace. Treat the matches below as starting points for a mix rather than straight swaps.
Closest Vallejo equivalent: Vallejo Grey Blue, a near match with visible drift up close (delta E 2.7).
Best Two Thin Coats option: Two Thin Coats Wolf Grey, close, with a hint of drift side by side (delta E 3.5).
From Green Stuff World: Green Stuff World Smoked Blue, a near match with visible drift up close (delta E 3.7).
AK Interactive's closest color: AK Interactive English Grey, a usable stand-in rather than a twin (delta E 4.1).
Worth knowing before you swap: Vallejo Grey Blue runs slightly cooler and more saturated, which shows most where the paint thins over raised detail.
How to read the score
90+Close
80sUsable
<70Mix
Vallejo
Two Thin Coats
Green Stuff World
AK Interactive
The Army Painter
Tamiya
Citadel
Monument Pro Acryl
Revell
About this color
Color profile
Highlight and shade ladder
Pairs well with
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Frequently asked
What is the closest equivalent to Humbrol RAF Blue?
The closest same-finish match is Vallejo Grey Blue at 86% color similarity.
What color is RAF Blue?
RAF Blue is a mid-tone muted blue with a cool undertone (hex #5D6D7E).
What do I highlight and shade RAF Blue with?
Highlight RAF Blue toward Satin US Medium Grey and shade it down into Slate Grey, both Humbrol paints in the same finish family.