Purple Rain vs Ultramarine Blue

How close are they?

ΔE 15.7, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Ultramarine Blue is a little lighter, more muted, cooler than Purple Rain.

Can I use Ultramarine Blue instead of Purple Rain?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 16). Ultramarine Blue is a little lighter, more muted, cooler than Purple Rain.

Can I use Purple Rain instead of Ultramarine Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Purple Rain is a little darker, 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.