What is the difference between Barren Dune and Desert Brown?

ΔE 18 (loose). Desert Brown is noticeably darker, more saturated, warmer. Swatch colours are estimates.

Barren Dune vs Desert Brown

Barren Dune

Brand: Army Painter
Range: Warpaints Fanatic
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #debc6c (estimate)

Desert Brown

Brand: Nocturna Models
Range: N-Paint Basic
Code: NA46
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #d09544 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 17.6, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Desert Brown is noticeably darker, more saturated, warmer than Barren Dune.

Can I use Desert Brown instead of Barren Dune?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 18). Desert Brown is noticeably darker, more saturated, warmer than Barren Dune.

Can I use Barren Dune instead of Desert Brown?

The same difference applies the other way round: Barren Dune is noticeably lighter, more muted, cooler.

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.

See Barren Dune on the colour wheel See Desert Brown on the colour wheel

Other Nocturna Models paints close to Barren Dune

Barren Dune vs Warrior Skin (NA05)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 11, fair · closer than Desert Brown
Barren Dune vs Snake Fang (NA40)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 17, loose · closer than Desert Brown
Barren Dune vs Elven Flesh (NA07)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 17, loose · closer than Desert Brown

Other Army Painter paints close to Desert Brown

Desert Brown vs Yellow DuneWarpaints Air · ΔE 6, close · closer than Barren Dune
Desert Brown vs Burnt TurfWarpaints Fanatic · ΔE 11, fair · closer than Barren Dune
Desert Brown vs Hemp RopeWarpaints Legacy · ΔE 11, fair · closer than Barren Dune

All matches: Barren Dune equivalents · Desert Brown equivalents