Matching it is straightforward: AK Interactive Deep Blue lands at 89 percent in the same finish, and 6 brands in all carry a close same-finish swap. Royal Blue is a dark moderate blue with a cool undertone. Within the Tamiya range it ladders cleanly, Sea Blue for the shadows and Field Blue for the highlights. In practice you can substitute across brands here without anyone noticing at arm's length.
Royal Blue equivalents in other ranges
Several ranges orbit this color without landing on it. Here is the closest each brand manages, nearest first:
- Closest AK Interactive equivalent: AK Interactive Deep Blue, a near match with visible drift up close (delta E 2.3).
- The P3 Paints pick: P3 Paints Cygnar Blue, close, with a hint of drift side by side (delta E 2.5).
- Nearest in the Green Stuff World catalog: Green Stuff World Prussian Blue, a near match with visible drift up close (delta E 2.6).
- Best Vallejo option: Vallejo Blue, close, with a hint of drift side by side (delta E 3.0).
- From The Army Painter: The Army Painter Imperial Navy, a near match with visible drift up close (delta E 3.3).
- Citadel's closest color: Citadel Macragge Blue, close, with a hint of drift side by side (delta E 3.5).
The honest caveat: AK Interactive Deep Blue dries slightly darker than Royal Blue, so expect recess shading and edge highlights to shift with it.
How to read the score
90+Close
80sUsable
<70Mix
AK Interactive
P3 Paints
Green Stuff World
Vallejo
The Army Painter
Citadel
Revell
Two Thin Coats
Scale75
Humbrol
Monument Pro Acryl
About this color
Color profile
Highlight and shade ladder
Match difficulty
Where painters use it
Frequently asked
What is the closest equivalent to Tamiya Royal Blue?
The closest same-finish match is AK Interactive Deep Blue at 89% color similarity.
Is there a Vallejo equivalent of Royal Blue?
Yes. The closest Vallejo option is Blue at 85%, a same-finish match.
What color is Royal Blue?
Royal Blue is a dark moderate blue with a cool undertone (hex #1E3F66).
What do I highlight and shade Royal Blue with?
Highlight Royal Blue toward Field Blue and shade it down into Sea Blue, both Tamiya paints in the same finish family.