What is the difference between Imperial Red and Ruby Red?

ΔE 28 (loose). Ruby Red is a little lighter, much more muted. Swatch colours are estimates.

Imperial Red vs Ruby Red

Imperial Red

Brand: Army Painter
Range: Warpaints Historical
Code: WP4165P
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #b90119 (estimate)

Ruby Red

Brand: Nocturna Models
Range: N-Paint Basic
Code: NA19
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #a8413c (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 27.6, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Ruby Red is a little lighter, much more muted than Imperial Red.

Can I use Ruby Red instead of Imperial Red?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 28). Ruby Red is a little lighter, much more muted than Imperial Red.

Can I use Imperial Red instead of Ruby Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: Imperial Red is a little darker, much more saturated.

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 Imperial Red on the colour wheel See Ruby Red on the colour wheel

Other Nocturna Models paints close to Imperial Red

Imperial Red vs Scarlett Red (NA22)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 16, loose · closer than Ruby Red
Imperial Red vs Demon Red (NA21)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 16, loose · closer than Ruby Red
Imperial Red vs Orange Rust (NA23)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 34, loose

Other Army Painter paints close to Ruby Red

Ruby Red vs Topaz SkinWarpaints Fanatic · ΔE 8, close · closer than Imperial Red
Ruby Red vs Ruddy Terra (Vol. 2)John Blanche Vol. 1-4 · ΔE 10, fair · closer than Imperial Red
Ruby Red vs Resplendent RedWarpaints Fanatic · ΔE 10, fair · closer than Imperial Red

All matches: Imperial Red equivalents · Ruby Red equivalents