Color-wise this is a muted, very dark black leaning neutral. This is a common color; 9 other brands cover it, the nearest being The Army Painter Matt Black at 100 percent. For highlights, the next step up in the Tamiya range is Flat Black. Treat it as an easy swap, just confirm the finish type matches before you commit.
Black equivalents across other brands
The short answer: yes, Black has a true equivalent. If the pot runs dry mid project, here is the closest color each brand offers.
Closest The Army Painter equivalent: The Army Painter Matt Black, indistinguishable once dry (delta E 0.0).
- Nearest in the Citadel catalog: Citadel Abaddon Black, the same color for practical purposes (delta E 0.0).
- Best Green Stuff World option: Green Stuff World Black Stallion, indistinguishable once dry (delta E 0.0).
- From Revell: Revell Black/Schwarz (RAL 9005), the same color for practical purposes (delta E 0.0).
- Vallejo's closest color: Vallejo Black, indistinguishable once dry (delta E 0.0).
- Nearest in the Humbrol catalog: Humbrol Gloss Black, a swap nobody spots at arm's length (delta E 1.6).
We checked the Lab numbers for a hidden catch and there is none: lightness and temperature both line up, so this swap is as safe as they come.
How to read the score
90+Close
80sUsable
<70Mix
The Army Painter
Citadel
Green Stuff World
Revell
Vallejo
Humbrol
Monument Pro Acryl
Satin Black
Coal Black
Dark Burgundy
Dark Navy Blue
Dark Sea Ben
Dark Crimson
Dark Blue
Dark Purple
Black Wash
Matte Black Primer
Transparent Black
Brush-On Black
Brown Wash
Payne's Grey Wash
Petroleum Brown Wash
Scale75
AK Interactive
P3 Paints
About this color
Color profile
Highlight and shade ladder
Match difficulty
Where painters use it
Frequently asked
What is the closest equivalent to Tamiya Black?
The closest same-finish match is The Army Painter Matt Black at 100% color similarity.
What color is Black?
Black is a very dark muted black with a neutral cast (hex #000000).
What do I highlight and shade Black with?
The next step up for highlighting Black is Flat Black in the Tamiya range. Nothing sits directly below it in the same lane, so reach for a wash to shade.