What is the difference between Magenta and Red?

ΔE 7 (close). Red is a little lighter, more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Magenta vs Red

Magenta

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

Red

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

How close are they?

ΔE 7.4, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Red is a little lighter, more saturated than Magenta.

Can I use Red instead of Magenta?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Red is a little lighter, more saturated than Magenta.

Can I use Magenta instead of Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: Magenta is a little darker, more muted.

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 Red on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Magenta

Magenta vs Flat Red (70.957)Model Color · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Red
Magenta vs Scarlet Red (72.012)Game Color · ΔE 7, close · closer than Red
Magenta vs Carmine Red (70.908)Model Color · ΔE 9, close

Other Kimera Kolors paints close to Red

Red vs Alizarin Crimson (Pure Pigments)Pure Pigments · ΔE 15, loose
Red vs Pale Carmine Red (Signature)Signature Series · ΔE 16, loose
Red vs Purple (Pure Pigments)Pure Pigments · ΔE 16, loose

All matches: Magenta equivalents · Red equivalents