What is the difference between Deck Tan and IAF Sand?

ΔE 7 (close). IAF Sand is a little darker, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Deck Tan vs IAF Sand

Deck Tan

Brand: Tamiya
Range: XF Flat Acrylic
Code: XF-55
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #c3b49f (estimate)

IAF Sand

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.327
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #aea389 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 7.5, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. IAF Sand is a little darker, cooler than Deck Tan.

Can I use IAF Sand instead of Deck Tan?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). IAF Sand is a little darker, cooler than Deck Tan.

Can I use Deck Tan instead of IAF Sand?

The same difference applies the other way round: Deck Tan is a little lighter, 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 Deck Tan on the colour wheel See IAF Sand on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Deck Tan

Deck Tan vs USAAF Light Gray (71.296)Model Air · ΔE 7, close · closer than IAF Sand
Deck Tan vs Silver Grey (70.883)Model Color · ΔE 7, close
Deck Tan vs Cream White (70.766)Model Color · ΔE 8, close

Other Tamiya paints close to IAF Sand

IAF Sand vs Wooden Deck Tan (XF-78)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Deck Tan
IAF Sand vs Wooden Deck Tan (TS-68)TS Spray · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Deck Tan
IAF Sand vs Medium Sea Gray (AS-11)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 9, close

All matches: Deck Tan equivalents · IAF Sand equivalents