Dread Red vs Purple Hex

How close are they?

ΔE 12.1, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Purple Hex is a little darker, cooler than Dread Red.

Can I use Purple Hex instead of Dread Red?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 12). Purple Hex is a little darker, cooler than Dread Red.

Can I use Dread Red instead of Purple Hex?

The same difference applies the other way round: Dread Red is a little lighter, 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.