Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide vs Desert Yellow

How close are they?

ΔE 13.2, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Desert Yellow is a little darker, cooler than Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide.

Can I use Desert Yellow instead of Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 13). Desert Yellow is a little darker, cooler than Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide.

Can I use Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide instead of Desert Yellow?

The same difference applies the other way round: Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide 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.