What is the difference between NATO Brown and Sand Brown?

ΔE 9 (close). Sand Brown is a little lighter, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

NATO Brown vs Sand Brown

NATO Brown

Brand: Tamiya
Range: TS Spray
Code: TS-62
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #70523a (estimate)

Sand Brown

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.034
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #895e4e (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 9.5, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Sand Brown is a little lighter, cooler than NATO Brown.

Can I use Sand Brown instead of NATO Brown?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). Sand Brown is a little lighter, cooler than NATO Brown.

Can I use NATO Brown instead of Sand Brown?

The same difference applies the other way round: NATO Brown is a little darker, 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 NATO Brown on the colour wheel See Sand Brown on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to NATO Brown

NATO Brown vs Beige Brown (70.875)Model Color · ΔE 3, very close · closer than Sand Brown
NATO Brown vs Golden Brown (71.032)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Sand Brown
NATO Brown vs USA Flat Brown (71.026)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than Sand Brown

Other Tamiya paints close to Sand Brown

Sand Brown vs Red Brown (TS-1)TS Spray · ΔE 4, very close · closer than NATO Brown
Sand Brown vs NATO Brown (XF-68)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 9, close
Sand Brown vs Dark Earth (AS-22)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 10, close

All matches: NATO Brown equivalents · Sand Brown equivalents