What is the difference between Desert Brown and Dark Sand?

ΔE 14 (fair). Dark Sand is much more muted, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Desert Brown vs Dark Sand

Desert Brown

Brand: Nocturna Models
Range: N-Paint Basic
Code: NA46
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #d09544 (estimate)

Dark Sand

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.847
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #bf9d59 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 14.4, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Dark Sand is much more muted, cooler than Desert Brown.

Can I use Dark Sand instead of Desert Brown?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 14). Dark Sand is much more muted, cooler than Desert Brown.

Can I use Desert Brown instead of Dark Sand?

The same difference applies the other way round: Desert Brown is much 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.

See Desert Brown on the colour wheel See Dark Sand on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Desert Brown

Desert Brown vs Dark Flesh (70.927)Model Color · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Dark Sand
Desert Brown vs Yellow Ochre (70.913)Model Color · ΔE 9, close · closer than Dark Sand
Desert Brown vs Leather Brown (72.040)Game Color · ΔE 10, close · closer than Dark Sand

Other Nocturna Models paints close to Dark Sand

Dark Sand vs Yellow Sand (NA47)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 9, close · closer than Desert Brown
Dark Sand vs Warrior Skin (NA05)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 9, close · closer than Desert Brown
Dark Sand vs Sulfide Yellow (NA24)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 19, loose

All matches: Desert Brown equivalents · Dark Sand equivalents