What is the difference between Light Umber and Chestnut Brown?

ΔE 11 (fair). Chestnut Brown is more muted, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Light Umber vs Chestnut Brown

Light Umber

Brand: Pro Acryl
Range: Standard / Signature / AMP
Code: 018
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #5f392c (estimate)

Chestnut Brown

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.746
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #523536 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 11.0, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Chestnut Brown is more muted, cooler than Light Umber.

Can I use Chestnut Brown instead of Light Umber?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 11). Chestnut Brown is more muted, cooler than Light Umber.

Can I use Light Umber instead of Chestnut Brown?

The same difference applies the other way round: Light Umber is 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 Light Umber on the colour wheel See Chestnut Brown on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Light Umber

Light Umber vs Charred Brown (72.045)Game Color · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Chestnut Brown
Light Umber vs Flat Earth (70.983)Model Color · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Chestnut Brown
Light Umber vs German Red Brown (71.271)Model Air · ΔE 7, close · closer than Chestnut Brown

Other Pro Acryl paints close to Chestnut Brown

Chestnut Brown vs Mahogany (009)Standard / Signature / AMP · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Light Umber
Chestnut Brown vs Dark Umber (019)Standard / Signature / AMP · ΔE 6, close · closer than Light Umber
Chestnut Brown vs Burnt Umber (E007)Expert Acrylics · ΔE 10, fair · closer than Light Umber

All matches: Light Umber equivalents · Chestnut Brown equivalents