What is the difference between Phthalo Cyanine Blue and Blue Violet?

ΔE 16 (loose). Blue Violet is noticeably lighter, much more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Phthalo Cyanine Blue vs Blue Violet

Phthalo Cyanine Blue

Brand: Mr. Hobby
Range: Aqueous Hobby Color
Code: H-322
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #33345f (estimate)

Blue Violet

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.811
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #514788 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 16.5, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Blue Violet is noticeably lighter, much more saturated than Phthalo Cyanine Blue.

Can I use Blue Violet instead of Phthalo Cyanine Blue?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 16). Blue Violet is noticeably lighter, much more saturated than Phthalo Cyanine Blue.

Can I use Phthalo Cyanine Blue instead of Blue Violet?

The same difference applies the other way round: Phthalo Cyanine Blue is noticeably darker, much 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 Phthalo Cyanine Blue on the colour wheel See Blue Violet on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Phthalo Cyanine Blue

Phthalo Cyanine Blue vs Dark Blue (70.930)Model Color · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Blue Violet
Phthalo Cyanine Blue vs Blue (71.004)Model Air · ΔE 6, close · closer than Blue Violet
Phthalo Cyanine Blue vs Blue (70.925)Model Color · ΔE 6, close · closer than Blue Violet

Other Mr. Hobby paints close to Blue Violet

Blue Violet vs Bright Blue (C-65)Mr. Color · ΔE 18, loose
Blue Violet vs Character Blue (C-110)Mr. Color · ΔE 18, loose
Blue Violet vs Bright Blue (H-15)Aqueous Hobby Color · ΔE 18, loose

All matches: Phthalo Cyanine Blue equivalents · Blue Violet equivalents