Buff vs Desert Tan

How close are they?

ΔE 8.8, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Desert Tan is a little lighter, more muted, cooler than Buff.

Can I use Desert Tan instead of Buff?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). Desert Tan is a little lighter, more muted, cooler than Buff.

Can I use Buff instead of Desert Tan?

The same difference applies the other way round: Buff is a little darker, 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.