What is the difference between Desert Brown and Earth?

ΔE 18 (loose). Earth is noticeably darker, more muted. Swatch colours are estimates.

Desert Brown vs Earth

Desert Brown

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

Earth

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Game Color
Code: 72.062
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #a07135 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 18.1, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Earth is noticeably darker, more muted than Desert Brown.

Can I use Earth instead of Desert Brown?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 18). Earth is noticeably darker, more muted than Desert Brown.

Can I use Desert Brown instead of Earth?

The same difference applies the other way round: Desert Brown is noticeably lighter, more saturated.

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 Earth 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 Earth
Desert Brown vs Yellow Ochre (70.913)Model Color · ΔE 9, close · closer than Earth
Desert Brown vs Leather Brown (72.040)Game Color · ΔE 10, close · closer than Earth

Other Nocturna Models paints close to Earth

Earth vs Leather Brown (NA44)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 7, close · closer than Desert Brown
Earth vs Yellow Sand (NA47)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 20, loose
Earth vs Sulfide Yellow (NA24)N-Paint Basic · ΔE 23, loose

All matches: Desert Brown equivalents · Earth equivalents