Metallic Blue vs Ultramarine Blue

How close are they?

ΔE 12.6, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Ultramarine Blue is much more muted than Metallic Blue.

Can I use Ultramarine Blue instead of Metallic Blue?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 13). Ultramarine Blue is much more muted than Metallic Blue.

Can I use Metallic Blue instead of Ultramarine Blue?

The same difference applies the other way round: Metallic Blue is much 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.