What is the difference between Alizarin Crimson and Red?

ΔE 15 (loose). Red is much more muted, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Alizarin Crimson vs Red

Alizarin Crimson

Brand: Kimera Kolors
Range: Pure Pigments
Code: Pure Pigments
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #b60520 (estimate)

Red

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.102
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #b02638 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 15.1, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Red is much more muted, cooler than Alizarin Crimson.

Can I use Red instead of Alizarin Crimson?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 15). Red is much more muted, cooler than Alizarin Crimson.

Can I use Alizarin Crimson instead of Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: Alizarin Crimson is much 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.

See Alizarin Crimson on the colour wheel See Red on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Alizarin Crimson

Alizarin Crimson vs Vermilion (70.909)Model Color · ΔE 7, close · closer than Red
Alizarin Crimson vs Red RLM23 (71.003)Model Air · ΔE 8, close · closer than Red
Alizarin Crimson vs Gory Red (72.011)Game Color · ΔE 10, close · closer than Red

Other Kimera Kolors paints close to Red

Red vs Magenta (Pure Pigments)Pure Pigments · ΔE 7, close · closer than Alizarin Crimson
Red vs Pale Carmine Red (Signature)Signature Series · ΔE 16, loose
Red vs Purple (Pure Pigments)Pure Pigments · ΔE 16, loose

All matches: Alizarin Crimson equivalents · Red equivalents