Dark Sand vs Buff

How close are they?

ΔE 8.8, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Buff is a little darker, more saturated than Dark Sand.

Can I use Buff instead of Dark Sand?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). Buff is a little darker, more saturated than Dark Sand.

Can I use Dark Sand instead of Buff?

The same difference applies the other way round: Dark Sand is a little lighter, more muted.

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.