What is the difference between Phalanx Yellow and Desert Brown?

ΔE 39 (loose). Desert Brown is noticeably darker, much more muted, warmer. Swatch colours are estimates.

Phalanx Yellow vs Desert Brown

Phalanx Yellow

Brand: Citadel / Warhammer
Range: Colour: Layer
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #fcd228 (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 38.5, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Desert Brown is noticeably darker, much more muted, warmer than Phalanx Yellow.

Can I use Desert Brown instead of Phalanx Yellow?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 39). Desert Brown is noticeably darker, much more muted, warmer than Phalanx Yellow.

Can I use Phalanx Yellow instead of Desert Brown?

The same difference applies the other way round: Phalanx Yellow is noticeably lighter, much 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.

See Phalanx Yellow on the colour wheel See Desert Brown on the colour wheel

Other Nocturna Models paints close to Phalanx Yellow

Phalanx Yellow vs Sunny Yellow (NA48)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 23, loose · closer than Desert Brown
Phalanx Yellow vs Sulfide Yellow (NA24)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 35, loose · closer than Desert Brown
Phalanx Yellow vs Army Green (NA38)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 36, loose · closer than Desert Brown

Other Citadel paints close to Desert Brown

Desert Brown vs Ungor FleshColour: Layer · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Phalanx Yellow
Desert Brown vs T'au Light OchreColour: Layer · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Phalanx Yellow
Desert Brown vs Zamesi DesertColour: Layer · ΔE 13, fair · closer than Phalanx Yellow

All matches: Phalanx Yellow equivalents · Desert Brown equivalents