Wasteland Clay vs Tan (USAF)

How close are they?

ΔE 13.2, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Tan (USAF) is a little lighter, more muted, warmer than Wasteland Clay.

Can I use Tan (USAF) instead of Wasteland Clay?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 13). Tan (USAF) is a little lighter, more muted, warmer than Wasteland Clay.

Can I use Wasteland Clay instead of Tan (USAF)?

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