Despite the name, Cardinal Purple is not a violet – it is a very dark cardinal red with a brown core, the tone of clerical robes. It is the darkest usable tone of the warm family: anything darker would be black, and black would kill the hue.
| Range | Smart Colors |
| Colour family | Red |
| Type | water-based acrylic paint |
| Finish | matt |
| Packaging | 20 ml jar with one-handed lid and steel agitator ball |
| Manufacturer code | IONIC-0059 |
| EAN | 8432074900597 |
| Manufacturer | Ionic Smart Colors (MIG Jimenez) |
| Country of origin | Spain |
Build shadows with Dark Violet and Black Brown, transitions and highlights with Red and Terracota.
Why is it called Purple when it is red?
The name refers to historical cardinal purple, which was in fact a dark red. On the palette and on the model it is clearly a dark red – if you want a violet, take Deep Violet or Purple.
Can I use it instead of black?
Yes, and it is often the better choice. Where black would leave a flat hole, Cardinal Purple keeps the colour and the shadow stays readable.
How do I thin this paint?
With water or an Ionic thinner. The formula is self-hydrating, so it stays workable on the palette far longer than ordinary acrylics – a drop is enough for brush work, and roughly 1 : 1 for airbrush.
Is the finish really matt?
Yes, it dries matt with no shiny patches. If the figure is going on the gaming table, seal it with a matt varnish at the end.
The full range is in the Ionic Smart Colors category.