Desert Sand vs Desert Tan

How close are they?

ΔE 9.1, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Desert Tan is a little lighter, more muted, cooler than Desert Sand.

Can I use Desert Tan instead of Desert Sand?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). Desert Tan is a little lighter, more muted, cooler than Desert Sand.

Can I use Desert Sand instead of Desert Tan?

The same difference applies the other way round: Desert Sand is a little darker, more saturated, 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.