Averland Sunset vs Desert Yellow

How close are they?

ΔE 18.1, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Desert Yellow is a little darker, more muted, cooler than Averland Sunset.

Can I use Desert Yellow instead of Averland Sunset?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 18). Desert Yellow is a little darker, more muted, cooler than Averland Sunset.

Can I use Averland Sunset instead of Desert Yellow?

The same difference applies the other way round: Averland Sunset is a little lighter, 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.