Dark Plum vs Violet Red

How close are they?

ΔE 8.7, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Violet Red is a little lighter, more muted, warmer than Dark Plum.

Can I use Violet Red instead of Dark Plum?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). Violet Red is a little lighter, more muted, warmer than Dark Plum.

Can I use Dark Plum instead of Violet Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: Dark Plum is a little darker, more saturated, cooler.

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.