Researched paint note
What should you know about Black?
| Brand | Range | Product code | Type | Catalog color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vallejo | Game Air | 76.051 | air | #000000 |
Who should buy Game Air Black?
It makes sense for painters who want Vallejo's airbrush-ready black but still want the option to use a brush. If you need Model Color Black, look for code 70.950 instead.
Source: Vallejo Game Air color chart
Is Game Air 76.051 only for an airbrush?
Vallejo formulates Game Air for direct airbrush use, but its current chart also says the colors can be applied with a brush. The same chart describes the range as fast-drying with a self-leveling matt finish.
Source: Vallejo Game Air color chart
What does an exact black match tell you?
A ΔE of 0.0 between two #000000 catalogue entries confirms identical stored coordinates, not identical paint behavior. Range, delivery method, opacity, and finish remain the practical differentiators.
What should you verify on the bottle?
Check for the Game Air range and code 76.051. The word Black alone is too broad because Vallejo sells separate black paints under other range names and codes.
Source: Vallejo Game Air color chart
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
- Vallejo Game Air color chart: First-party chart identifying Black as 76.051 and explaining the range's airbrush and brush use.
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
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