What is the difference between Ultramar Blue and Azure?

ΔE 21 (loose). Azure is noticeably lighter, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Ultramar Blue vs Azure

Ultramar Blue

Brand: Green Stuff World
Range: Acrylic Colors
Code: 3224
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #353568 (estimate)

Azure

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.902
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #5667a4 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 21.2, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Azure is noticeably lighter, cooler than Ultramar Blue.

Can I use Azure instead of Ultramar Blue?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 21). Azure is noticeably lighter, cooler than Ultramar Blue.

Can I use Ultramar Blue instead of Azure?

The same difference applies the other way round: Ultramar Blue is noticeably darker, 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.

See Ultramar Blue on the colour wheel See Azure on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Ultramar Blue

Ultramar Blue vs Dark Blue (70.930)Model Color · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Azure
Ultramar Blue vs Blue (71.004)Model Air · ΔE 10, close · closer than Azure
Ultramar Blue vs French Blue (71.088)Model Air · ΔE 10, fair · closer than Azure

Other Green Stuff World paints close to Azure

Azure vs Blue Base (4115)Opaque Colors · ΔE 10, close · closer than Ultramar Blue
Azure vs Summersea Blue (1793)Acrylic Colors · ΔE 14, fair · closer than Ultramar Blue
Azure vs Smoked Blue (3226)Acrylic Colors · ΔE 22, loose

All matches: Ultramar Blue equivalents · Azure equivalents