What is the difference between Steel Legion Drab and Chestnut Brown?

ΔE 14 (fair). Chestnut Brown is a little darker, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Steel Legion Drab vs Chestnut Brown

Steel Legion Drab

Brand: Citadel / Warhammer
Range: Colour: Base
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #5a4a3a (estimate)

Chestnut Brown

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.746
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #523536 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 13.7, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Chestnut Brown is a little darker, cooler than Steel Legion Drab.

Can I use Chestnut Brown instead of Steel Legion Drab?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 14). Chestnut Brown is a little darker, cooler than Steel Legion Drab.

Can I use Steel Legion Drab instead of Chestnut Brown?

The same difference applies the other way round: Steel Legion Drab is a little lighter, 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.

See Steel Legion Drab on the colour wheel See Chestnut Brown on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Steel Legion Drab

Steel Legion Drab vs Camou. Pale Brown (71.035)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Chestnut Brown
Steel Legion Drab vs US Field Drab (71.139)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Chestnut Brown
Steel Legion Drab vs IJA Khaki Brown (71.287)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Chestnut Brown

Other Citadel paints close to Chestnut Brown

Chestnut Brown vs Rhinox HideColour: Base · ΔE 8, close · closer than Steel Legion Drab
Chestnut Brown vs Skavenblight DingeColour: Layer · ΔE 14, fair
Chestnut Brown vs Eshin GreyColour: Layer · ΔE 15, loose

All matches: Steel Legion Drab equivalents · Chestnut Brown equivalents