#C81928
Vallejo

Cardinal Purple

Xpress Color

contrast
transparent
red

Color Information

HEX

#C81928

RGB

200, 25, 40

LAB

43.0, 64.3, 39.6

Product Code

72.408

Closest catalog-color match

Carmine Red by Arteza (ΔE 2.1)

purpose: contrast vs paint. ΔE 2.1 gives a small catalog color gap. Color-only comparison, not a functional substitute.

Cardinal Purple catalog data

More from Vallejo

Cardinal Purple by Vallejo (product code 72.408) is cataloged as contrast, transparent, Xpress Color in the red color family.

Catalog color data: HEX #C81928, RGB 200/25/40, and CIELAB 43.0/64.3/39.6. These values describe the listed digital color and can differ from dried paint under real-world lighting.

PaintAtlas lists 18 related catalog colors for this paint. ΔE measures the distance between the listed digital color values only; it does not describe opacity, finish behavior, or how the paint covers a surface. Cross-class matches, such as metallic against conventional paint, are shown as digital color only and are never presented as verified substitutes.

How PaintAtlas computes ΔE and catalog matches

How to choose a paint substitute

Closest catalog colors

Digital color matches

ΔE compares the listed catalog color values only, not finish, opacity, or coverage.

Cross-brand catalog colors

Digital color matches

ΔE compares the listed catalog color values only, not finish, opacity, or coverage.

Technical Color Analysis

Cardinal Purple is a warm vibrant red with medium-dark value (L*: 43.0). This warm color has highly saturated saturation (chroma: 75.5), making it ideal for shadows and base layers and perfect for bold, eye-catching areas.

LightnessL* 43.0

Medium-Dark

Temperaturewarm

warm

SaturationC* 75.5

Highly Saturated

Rich midtone leaning darker. Works well as a base coat color or for shaded areas.

Warm color that advances visually. Creates energy and draws the eye. Pairs well with cool colors for contrast.

Intense, eye-catching color. Use strategically for maximum impact on key areas.

Recommended Undercoats

White or Off-white

Contrast paints require bright primers for their unique pooling effect to work properly

Zenithal (Black base + White highlights)

Creates natural pre-shading that contrast paints will enhance

Layering & Paint Order Guide

Base Paint
80% confidence

Medium value with good saturation - ideal starting point for layering

Suggested Layer Progression

Shadow
Base
Layer
Highlight

This paint works best as a base in your layering sequence.

Use Before (Shadows/Base)

Layering Tips

  • Apply each layer to progressively smaller areas, leaving previous layers visible
  • Maintain consistent light direction across all layers
  • Thin paints for smoother transitions between layers