What is the difference between Magenta and Crimson?

ΔE 24 (loose). Crimson is noticeably lighter, more saturated, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Magenta vs Crimson

Magenta

Brand: Kimera Kolors
Range: Pure Pigments
Code: Pure Pigments
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #9f2137 (estimate)

Crimson

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Fantasy-Pro
Code: 74.018
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #d3336e (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 23.9, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Crimson is noticeably lighter, more saturated, cooler than Magenta.

Can I use Crimson instead of Magenta?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 24). Crimson is noticeably lighter, more saturated, cooler than Magenta.

Can I use Magenta instead of Crimson?

The same difference applies the other way round: Magenta is noticeably darker, more muted, 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 Magenta on the colour wheel See Crimson on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Magenta

Magenta vs Flat Red (70.957)Model Color · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Crimson
Magenta vs Scarlet Red (72.012)Game Color · ΔE 7, close · closer than Crimson
Magenta vs Red (71.102)Model Air · ΔE 7, close · closer than Crimson

Other Kimera Kolors paints close to Crimson

Crimson vs Fuchsia Skin (Signature)Signature Series · ΔE 14, fair · closer than Magenta
Crimson vs Purple (Pure Pigments)Pure Pigments · ΔE 18, loose · closer than Magenta
Crimson vs Pale Carmine Red (Signature)Signature Series · ΔE 31, loose

All matches: Magenta equivalents · Crimson equivalents