What is the difference between Paratrooper Tan and Buff?

ΔE 17 (loose). Buff is noticeably lighter, more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Paratrooper Tan vs Buff

Paratrooper Tan

Brand: Army Painter
Range: Warpaints Fanatic
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #9e7b6c (estimate)

Buff

Brand: Tamiya
Range: XF Flat Acrylic
Code: XF-57
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #c39f7d (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 16.6, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Buff is noticeably lighter, more saturated than Paratrooper Tan.

Can I use Buff instead of Paratrooper Tan?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 17). Buff is noticeably lighter, more saturated than Paratrooper Tan.

Can I use Paratrooper Tan instead of Buff?

The same difference applies the other way round: Paratrooper Tan is noticeably 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 Paratrooper Tan on the colour wheel See Buff on the colour wheel

Other Tamiya paints close to Paratrooper Tan

Paratrooper Tan vs Red Brown (TS-1)TS Spray · ΔE 11, fair · closer than Buff
Paratrooper Tan vs Dark Earth (AS-22)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 12, fair · closer than Buff
Paratrooper Tan vs Tan (USAF) (AS-15)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 15, fair · closer than Buff

Other Army Painter paints close to Buff

Buff vs Amber SkinWarpaints Fanatic · ΔE 2, very close · closer than Paratrooper Tan
Buff vs Kobold SkinWarpaints Air · ΔE 2, very close · closer than Paratrooper Tan
Buff vs Mid Khaki Drill (WP4135P)Warpaints Historical · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Paratrooper Tan

All matches: Paratrooper Tan equivalents · Buff equivalents