C.P. Cadmium Red Medium vs Amaranth Red

How close are they?

ΔE 13.2, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Amaranth Red is a little lighter, much more muted than C.P. Cadmium Red Medium.

Can I use Amaranth Red instead of C.P. Cadmium Red Medium?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 13). Amaranth Red is a little lighter, much more muted than C.P. Cadmium Red Medium.

Can I use C.P. Cadmium Red Medium instead of Amaranth Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: C.P. Cadmium Red Medium 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.