Researched paint note
What should you know about Abaddon Black?
| Brand | Range | Product code | Type | Catalog color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citadel | Air | Not listed | air | #000000 |
Who is this page useful for?
Use it if you are checking the Air version or comparing recorded black colors. Skip it if you need advice about the brush-on Base pot, because that is a different formulation.
Is every pure black a direct substitute?
No. Several catalogues record pure black as the same #000000 screen value, so PaintAtlas can return a ΔE of 0.0. That only means the stored color coordinates match; it does not establish equal opacity, finish, binder, or spraying behavior.
What should you check before buying?
Look for the Air label and the 24 ml format. If you want the regular brush-on Base paint, confirm that variant separately because the shared Abaddon Black name is not enough to identify the formulation.
What can PaintAtlas not tell you here?
The catalog data cannot tell you how this paint covers, sprays, or dries. Until we have a bench test, treat the match scores as a shortlist rather than a performance review.
Which catalog colors are closest?
ΔE compares the listed digital color values only. Each row also compares the stored catalog attributes — purpose, chemistry, application, effect, finish and opacity. A conflicting attribute is flagged as a mismatch, a missing one as unverified, and neither is a physical substitute. How these matches are computed.
| Paint | Brand | ΔE | Catalog compatibility | Match type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Black -84- | AK Interactive | 0.0 | Catalog data incompleteUnverifiedpurpose: source not recorded or recognized; chemistry: source not recorded or recognized | Nearby color |
| Flat Black, RAL 9005 | AK Real Colors | 0.0 | Catalog data incompleteUnverifiedpurpose: source not recorded or recognized; chemistry: source not recorded or recognized | Nearby color |
| Matt Black | Army Painter | 0.0 | Catalog data incompleteUnverifiedpurpose: source not recorded or recognized; chemistry: source not recorded or recognized | Nearby color |
| Pure Black -84- | AK Interactive | 0.0 | Catalog data incompleteUnverifiedpurpose: source not recorded or recognized; chemistry: source not recorded or recognized | Cross-brand |
| Flat Black, RAL 9005 | AK Real Colors | 0.0 | Catalog data incompleteUnverifiedpurpose: source not recorded or recognized; chemistry: source not recorded or recognized | Cross-brand |
| Matt Black | Army Painter | 0.0 | Catalog data incompleteUnverifiedpurpose: source not recorded or recognized; chemistry: source not recorded or recognized | Cross-brand |
Sources and scope
- Citadel Air Abaddon Black product listing: Supports the Air variant and 24 ml identification; a current first-party product page was not available during research.
Closest catalog colors
Digital color matchesΔE compares the listed catalog color values only, not finish, opacity, or coverage.
Cross-brand catalog colors
Digital color matchesΔE compares the listed catalog color values only, not finish, opacity, or coverage.
Technical Color Analysis
Abaddon Black is a very dark muted black with very dark value (L*: 0.0). This neutral color has achromatic saturation (chroma: 0.0), making it ideal for shadows and base layers and great for realistic, weathered effects.
Very Dark
neutral
Achromatic
Near-black color that absorbs most light. Excellent for deep shadows and void effects.
Balanced temperature that works harmoniously with both warm and cool palettes. Versatile for various applications.
Nearly colorless/grey. Perfect for desaturated subjects like stone, ash, or neutral fabrics.
Recommended Undercoats
Black or Dark Grey
Dark colors can use fewer coats over dark primers
Grey
Neutral option if you want slightly easier corrections
Layering & Paint Order Guide
Very dark value makes this ideal for deepest shadows and lining
Suggested Layer Progression
This paint works best as a shadow in your layering sequence.
Use Before (Shadows/Base)
This paint is already dark - use directly in recesses.
Use After (Highlights)
Layering Tips
- Apply each layer to progressively smaller areas, leaving previous layers visible
- Maintain consistent light direction across all layers
- Thin paints for smoother transitions between layers