Chromate Yellow Primer FS33481 vs German Yellow

How close are they?

ΔE 13.6, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. German Yellow is a little lighter, more muted than Chromate Yellow Primer FS33481.

Can I use German Yellow instead of Chromate Yellow Primer FS33481?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 14). German Yellow is a little lighter, more muted than Chromate Yellow Primer FS33481.

Can I use Chromate Yellow Primer FS33481 instead of German Yellow?

The same difference applies the other way round: Chromate Yellow Primer FS33481 is a little darker, 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.