What is the difference between Ruby Red and Crimson?

ΔE 31 (loose). Crimson is a little lighter, much more saturated, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Ruby Red vs Crimson

Ruby Red

Brand: Nocturna Models
Range: N-Paint Basic
Code: NA19
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #a8413c (estimate)

Crimson

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

How close are they?

ΔE 31.1, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Crimson is a little lighter, much more saturated, cooler than Ruby Red.

Can I use Crimson instead of Ruby Red?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 31). Crimson is a little lighter, much more saturated, cooler than Ruby Red.

Can I use Ruby Red instead of Crimson?

The same difference applies the other way round: Ruby Red is a little darker, much 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 Ruby Red on the colour wheel See Crimson on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Ruby Red

Ruby Red vs Red (71.269)Model Air · ΔE 7, close · closer than Crimson
Ruby Red vs Faded Red (70.747)Model Color · ΔE 7, close · closer than Crimson
Ruby Red vs Dark Flesh Tone (72.044)Game Color · ΔE 8, close · closer than Crimson

Other Nocturna Models paints close to Crimson

Crimson vs Red Purple (NA20)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 13, fair · closer than Ruby Red
Crimson vs Demon Red (NA21)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 37, loose
Crimson vs Red Flesh (NA03)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 37, loose

All matches: Ruby Red equivalents · Crimson equivalents