What is the difference between Diabolic Plum and Phthalo Cyanine Blue?

ΔE 22 (loose). Phthalo Cyanine Blue is much more muted, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Diabolic Plum vs Phthalo Cyanine Blue

Diabolic Plum

Brand: Army Painter
Range: Warpaints Fanatic
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #56286a (estimate)

Phthalo Cyanine Blue

Brand: Mr. Hobby
Range: Aqueous Hobby Color
Code: H-322
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #33345f (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 21.5, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Phthalo Cyanine Blue is much more muted, cooler than Diabolic Plum.

Can I use Phthalo Cyanine Blue instead of Diabolic Plum?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 22). Phthalo Cyanine Blue is much more muted, cooler than Diabolic Plum.

Can I use Diabolic Plum instead of Phthalo Cyanine Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Diabolic Plum is much more saturated, warmer.

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.

See Diabolic Plum on the colour wheel See Phthalo Cyanine Blue on the colour wheel

Other Mr. Hobby paints close to Diabolic Plum

Diabolic Plum vs Purple (C-67)Mr. Color · ΔE 18, loose · closer than Phthalo Cyanine Blue
Diabolic Plum vs Purple (H-39)Aqueous Hobby Color · ΔE 18, loose · closer than Phthalo Cyanine Blue
Diabolic Plum vs Purple (N-39)Acrysion · ΔE 18, loose · closer than Phthalo Cyanine Blue

Other Army Painter paints close to Phthalo Cyanine Blue

Phthalo Cyanine Blue vs Dark SkyWarpaints Air · ΔE 7, close · closer than Diabolic Plum
Phthalo Cyanine Blue vs Triumphant NavyWarpaints Fanatic · ΔE 7, close · closer than Diabolic Plum
Phthalo Cyanine Blue vs Dark SkyWarpaints Legacy · ΔE 7, close · closer than Diabolic Plum

All matches: Diabolic Plum equivalents · Phthalo Cyanine Blue equivalents