What is the difference between Calgar Blue and Purple?

ΔE 15 (loose). Purple is a little darker, warmer. Swatch colours are estimates.

Calgar Blue vs Purple

Calgar Blue

Brand: Citadel / Warhammer
Range: Colour: Layer
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #2a60a8 (estimate)

Purple

Brand: Tamiya
Range: X Gloss Acrylic
Code: X-16
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #554e91 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 15.2, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Purple is a little darker, warmer than Calgar Blue.

Can I use Purple instead of Calgar Blue?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 15). Purple is a little darker, warmer than Calgar Blue.

Can I use Calgar Blue instead of Purple?

The same difference applies the other way round: Calgar Blue is a little lighter, 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.

See Calgar Blue on the colour wheel See Purple on the colour wheel

Other Tamiya paints close to Calgar Blue

Calgar Blue vs Translucent Blue (PS-38)PS Spray (polycarbonate) · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Purple
Calgar Blue vs Pure Blue (TS-93)TS Spray · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Purple
Calgar Blue vs Blue (X-4)X Gloss Acrylic · ΔE 6, close · closer than Purple

Other Citadel paints close to Purple

Purple vs Altdorf Guard BlueColour: Layer · ΔE 13, fair · closer than Calgar Blue
Purple vs Macragge BlueColour: Base · ΔE 14, fair · closer than Calgar Blue
Purple vs Macragge BlueColour: Air · ΔE 14, fair · closer than Calgar Blue

All matches: Calgar Blue equivalents · Purple equivalents