The miniature painting color mixing guide helps you find equivalent paints when switching brands or filling gaps in your paint collection. Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painter, Scale75, and Reaper all make similar colors under different names. This searchable database maps the most common miniature painting colors across all five brands so you can substitute, mix, or plan your next purchase.
| Color | Citadel (GW) | Vallejo MC | Army Painter | Scale75 | Reaper |
|---|
Hex codes are approximate — actual paints vary by formulation, opacity, and finish. Always test before committing.
How to Use the Miniature Painting Color Guide
Finding the right paint equivalent saves money and helps you stay consistent across your miniature collection. Whether you are switching brands for cost reasons, trying a new range for its finish quality, or filling a gap when a specific color is out of stock — this guide maps the most commonly used miniature colors across the five major brands.
Step 1: Search by Color Name
Type any color name in the search box — a Citadel name like "Abaddon Black," a color description like "dark red," or a category like "flesh." The table filters in real time to show matching colors. Each row shows the equivalent color name in all five brands alongside a hex color swatch for quick visual reference.
Step 2: Filter by Category
Use the category filter to browse by color family — Blacks, Reds, Metallics, Flesh tones, etc. This is useful when planning a paint scheme and you want to see all your options in a particular range before buying.
Step 3: Copy the Hex Code
Click "Copy" next to any color to copy the hex code to your clipboard. Use this for digital painting reference, batch labeling your paint rack, or communicating color choices when playing commission painter. The hex is an approximation but useful for digital mockups.
Brand Overview
Citadel paints from Games Workshop are the most commonly referenced in tutorials but also the most expensive. Vallejo Model Color offers excellent quality at lower price points and is the choice of many professional painters. Army Painter is popular for batch painting and speed painting entire armies quickly. Scale75 Artist Colors are known for their unique matte finish and slightly gritty texture that layers beautifully for NMM (non-metallic metal) techniques. Reaper Master Series offers the widest range of flesh and neutral tones and is popular for fantasy RPG miniatures.
FAQ
Is this miniature paint color guide free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. The database and search run locally in your browser.
Which paint brands are included?
The guide covers five major miniature paint brands: Citadel (Games Workshop), Vallejo Model Color, Army Painter Warpaints, Scale75 Artist Colors, and Reaper Master Series. These represent the most widely used brands in the hobby community worldwide.
Why do paint equivalents have different hex codes?
Paint manufacturers formulate their colors independently, so even 'equivalent' paints are rarely identical. The hex codes shown are close approximations for digital reference only. Real paints may vary slightly in hue, saturation, opacity, or finish (matte/satin). Always test on a small area before committing to a scheme.
How do I find a Citadel equivalent in Vallejo?
Use the search box to find your Citadel color by name, or filter by brand to show Citadel colors first. Each color row shows the equivalent paint names and approximate hex codes across all brands. Click 'Copy Hex' to get the color value for digital references or batch painting notes.
What is the difference between Vallejo Model Color and Vallejo Game Color?
Vallejo Model Color is designed for historical and military modeling — thinner consistency, designed for brushwork and airbrush. Vallejo Game Color is designed for fantasy and sci-fi miniatures — slightly thicker, formulated for basecoating plastic and metal miniatures with good coverage. The colors in this guide are primarily from Vallejo Model Color.
Are the color equivalents exact matches?
The equivalents are close functional matches — colors that serve the same role in a paint scheme. Due to different pigment formulations, opacity levels, and finish types across brands, exact matches are rare. Use the hex codes and swatches as a guide, and test on a miniature before committing to a full paint scheme.