Starship Grey vs US Desert Sand

How close are they?

ΔE 15.6, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. US Desert Sand is a little lighter, more saturated, warmer than Starship Grey.

Can I use US Desert Sand instead of Starship Grey?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 16). US Desert Sand is a little lighter, more saturated, warmer than Starship Grey.

Can I use Starship Grey instead of US Desert Sand?

The same difference applies the other way round: Starship Grey is a little darker, more muted, 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.