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Vermillion Red is a bright, slightly orange-leaning red named after the historic pigment of the same name. It sits between a pure red and a true orange-red, giving it a warmer, punchier look than a standard fire-engine red.
Where Vermillion Red Came From
Vermillion is one of the oldest named pigments in history, originally derived from the mineral cinnabar; its automotive use carries that same warm, attention-getting character into a modern factory color.
What Makes Vermillion Red a Popular Choice
It's been offered as a factory color on performance and sport trims from several manufacturers, chosen for standing out clearly from more common, cooler-toned reds.
Is Vermillion Red Right for You?
If you like the warmth of Vermillion Red but want something slightly less orange-leaning, a standard flame or fire-engine red may be a closer match to expectations set by more common reds.
How Vermillion Red Looks in Different Light
As a bright, saturated color, Vermillion Red holds its intensity well in both direct sun and overcast light, with only subtle warmth shifts between the two.
Caring for a Vermillion Red Paint Job
Bright solid or metallic reds generally hide minor swirl marks better than dark colors; regular wax or sealant protection helps preserve the vibrancy against UV fade over time.
Vermillion Red in Hot and Cold Climates
Performs consistently across climates, though vehicles kept outdoors in intense, consistent sun will see gradual fading faster than garaged vehicles.
Wheel, Trim & Interior Pairings
Pairs well with black trim, black wheels, or white racing stripes, a common factory presentation for performance-trim reds like this one.
Vermillion Red Finish Options
Vermillion Red is typically offered as a solid or metallic finish, keeping repair work straightforward compared to a layered candy-style red.
Factory Colors Named Vermillion Red
6 factory colors from different manufacturers have a name that includes “vermillion red”. Here are the closest matches. The paint code is what you need to order matching paint; the on-screen swatch is only an approximation.
| Make and model | Factory color | Paint code | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Contour | Vermillion Red | E4 | 1951–2025 |
| Ford F-250 | Vermillion Red | F1 | 1999–2009 |
| Lincoln Blackwood | Vermillion Red | E4 | 2000–2002 |
| Mercury | Vermillion Red | E4 | 1998–2001 |
| Ford Probe | Vermillion Red | E3 | 1990–1991 |
| Ford | Vermillion Tint Red | E8 | 1993 |
Matching Your Factory Vermillion Red
Confirm your exact factory code before ordering touch-up paint, since warm, orange-leaning reds vary meaningfully between manufacturers even when marketed with similar names.
Cost to Paint Your Car Vermillion Red
Standard solid or metallic repaint pricing applies; see our cost guide for what drives the final number on any quote.
Common Misconceptions About Vermillion Red
A common misconception is that Vermillion Red is simply a trim name for standard red; the actual pigment undertone is distinctly warmer and worth confirming against your factory code before any touch-up work.
Before You Commit: A Quick Checklist
- Confirm your exact factory code for your specific model year.
- Expect standard solid or metallic repair pricing.
- Protect the finish with regular wax to preserve warmth and vibrancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vermillion Red the same as orange?
No — it's a red with an orange undertone, not a true orange; the red remains the dominant tone.
Does Vermillion Red fade faster than cooler reds?
Warm, bright pigments can be somewhat more fade-prone under heavy UV exposure; regular wax or ceramic protection slows this down.
Look Up the Exact Code
Want to match vermillion red exactly, whether it's a factory color or a custom mix? Use the color code tool to find the manufacturer code for your specific make and model, or browse custom color options.