Encarmine Red vs Mephiston Red

How close are they?

ΔE 13.2, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Mephiston Red is a little lighter, more saturated, warmer than Encarmine Red.

Can I use Mephiston Red instead of Encarmine Red?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 13). Mephiston Red is a little lighter, more saturated, warmer than Encarmine Red.

Can I use Encarmine Red instead of Mephiston Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: Encarmine Red is a little darker, more muted, 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.