What's the difference between Blend and Mix maps?

They both have a color map #1, a color map #2, and a mix amount that can also be a map

Blend is almost the same as Mix, except Blend has a Mask button.

Note – if you have OpenGL or Direct3D you can see the effect of mix maps in the viewport.

Play with Mix

Make each of the 2 top colors very different, and use gradient ramps, noise, smoke, etc, to see how mix works.

Next try out the mix curve. It becomes very obvious when you use 2 colors and a gradient ramp for the mix amount, then utilize mix curve to control which color predominates, and where.

Play with Blend

Note – blend’s mix amounts can be animated over time.

Interactive means, this is the material you will see in the viewport (unless one of the maps has show in viewport on.)

With blend think in these terms:

I have some layered “stuff” I want to depict … eroded armor, peeling paint on wood, whatever.

The BOTTOM layer of the actual thing … say, the wood under the paint that is eroding … is Material 1.

The TOP layer … say, the paint itself … is Material 2.

The cracks and all the holes and wherever the paint is “removed” … THAT IS YOUR MASK, and it is in grayscale.