What is the difference between Mica Red and Sunset Red?

ΔE 24 (loose). Sunset Red is more muted, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Mica Red vs Sunset Red

Mica Red

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

Sunset Red

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.802
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #bd2451 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 24.5, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Sunset Red is more muted, cooler than Mica Red.

Can I use Sunset Red instead of Mica Red?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 24). Sunset Red is more muted, cooler than Mica Red.

Can I use Mica Red instead of Sunset Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: Mica Red is 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 Sunset 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 Sunset Red
Mica Red vs Red RLM23 (71.003)Model Air · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Sunset Red
Mica Red vs Bloody Red (72.010)Game Color · ΔE 8, close · closer than Sunset Red

Other Tamiya paints close to Sunset Red

Sunset Red vs Translucent Red (PS-37)PS Spray (polycarbonate) · ΔE 8, close · closer than Mica Red
Sunset Red vs Cherry Red (PS-33)PS Spray (polycarbonate) · ΔE 11, fair · closer than Mica Red
Sunset Red vs Clear Red (X-27)X Gloss Acrylic · ΔE 31, loose

All matches: Mica Red equivalents · Sunset Red equivalents