What is the difference between Drab Brown and Sand Yellow RLM79?

ΔE 17 (loose). Sand Yellow RLM79 is noticeably lighter, more saturated. Swatch colours are estimates.

Drab Brown vs Sand Yellow RLM79

Drab Brown

Brand: Pro Acryl
Range: Standard / Signature / AMP
Code: S40
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #5e4e3e (estimate)

Sand Yellow RLM79

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.278
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #876b4a (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 16.9, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Sand Yellow RLM79 is noticeably lighter, more saturated than Drab Brown.

Can I use Sand Yellow RLM79 instead of Drab Brown?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 17). Sand Yellow RLM79 is noticeably lighter, more saturated than Drab Brown.

Can I use Drab Brown instead of Sand Yellow RLM79?

The same difference applies the other way round: Drab Brown is noticeably darker, more muted.

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 Drab Brown on the colour wheel See Sand Yellow RLM79 on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Drab Brown

Drab Brown vs Camou. Pale Brown (71.035)Model Air · ΔE 2, very close · closer than Sand Yellow RLM79
Drab Brown vs US Field Drab (71.139)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Sand Yellow RLM79
Drab Brown vs IJA Khaki Brown (71.287)Model Air · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Sand Yellow RLM79

Other Pro Acryl paints close to Sand Yellow RLM79

Sand Yellow RLM79 vs Caramel Brown (S28)Standard / Signature / AMP · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Drab Brown
Sand Yellow RLM79 vs Green Brown (AMP-020)Standard / Signature / AMP · ΔE 11, fair · closer than Drab Brown
Sand Yellow RLM79 vs Warm Brown (S09)Standard / Signature / AMP · ΔE 14, fair · closer than Drab Brown

All matches: Drab Brown equivalents · Sand Yellow RLM79 equivalents