What is the difference between Desert Yellow and RLM 79 Sand Yellow?

ΔE 7 (close). RLM 79 Sand Yellow is a little lighter, more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Desert Yellow vs RLM 79 Sand Yellow

Desert Yellow

Brand: Army Painter
Range: Warpaints Air
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #8a7038 (estimate)

RLM 79 Sand Yellow

Brand: Mr. Hobby
Range: Acrysion
Code: N-66
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #937b38 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 6.6, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. RLM 79 Sand Yellow is a little lighter, more saturated than Desert Yellow.

Can I use RLM 79 Sand Yellow instead of Desert Yellow?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). RLM 79 Sand Yellow is a little lighter, more saturated than Desert Yellow.

Can I use Desert Yellow instead of RLM 79 Sand Yellow?

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

See Desert Yellow on the colour wheel See RLM 79 Sand Yellow on the colour wheel

Other Mr. Hobby paints close to Desert Yellow

Desert Yellow vs RLM 79 Sandy Brown (H-66)Aqueous Hobby Color · ΔE 6, close · closer than RLM 79 Sand Yellow
Desert Yellow vs Sandy Brown (C-19)Mr. Color · ΔE 7, close
Desert Yellow vs Khaki Brown (H-404)Aqueous Hobby Color · ΔE 7, close

Other Army Painter paints close to RLM 79 Sand Yellow

RLM 79 Sand Yellow vs Mid Mustard Khaki (WP4158P)Warpaints Historical · ΔE 7, close
RLM 79 Sand Yellow vs Wasteland ClayWarpaints Fanatic · ΔE 8, close
RLM 79 Sand Yellow vs Yellow Ochre (WP4133P)Warpaints Historical · ΔE 8, close

All matches: Desert Yellow equivalents · RLM 79 Sand Yellow equivalents