Dark Red vs Molten Orange

How close are they?

ΔE 11.9, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Molten Orange is a little lighter, warmer than Dark Red.

Can I use Molten Orange instead of Dark Red?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 12). Molten Orange is a little lighter, warmer than Dark Red.

Can I use Dark Red instead of Molten Orange?

The same difference applies the other way round: Dark Red is a little darker, cooler.

ΔE is the colour difference between our two swatch estimates: under about 6 is close, over about 15 is loose. Real paints also differ in finish, coverage and how they thin, so test before you commit.