What is the difference between Mica Red and Red?

ΔE 15 (loose). Red is a little darker, much more muted, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Mica Red vs Red

Mica Red

Brand: Tamiya
Range: TS Spray
Code: TS-39
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #c8242d (estimate)

Red

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.102
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #b02638 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 15.4, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Red is a little darker, much more muted, cooler than Mica Red.

Can I use Red instead of Mica Red?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 15). Red is a little darker, much more muted, cooler than Mica Red.

Can I use Mica Red instead of Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: Mica Red is a little lighter, much more saturated, 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 Mica Red on the colour wheel See Red on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Mica Red

Mica Red vs Vermilion (70.909)Model Color · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Red
Mica Red vs Red RLM23 (71.003)Model Air · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Red
Mica Red vs Bloody Red (72.010)Game Color · ΔE 8, close · closer than Red

Other Tamiya paints close to Red

Red vs Translucent Red (PS-37)PS Spray (polycarbonate) · ΔE 11, fair · closer than Mica Red
Red vs Cherry Red (PS-33)PS Spray (polycarbonate) · ΔE 19, loose
Red vs Dull Red (TS-33)TS Spray · ΔE 24, loose

All matches: Mica Red equivalents · Red equivalents