What is the difference between NATO Brown and BC Dark Brown?

ΔE 5 (very close). BC Dark Brown is a little darker. Swatch colours are estimates.

NATO Brown vs BC Dark Brown

NATO Brown

Brand: Tamiya
Range: XF Flat Acrylic
Code: XF-68
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #70523a (estimate)

BC Dark Brown

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.768
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #654c38 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 4.5, very close: most people won’t see a difference side by side. BC Dark Brown is a little darker than NATO Brown.

Can I use BC Dark Brown instead of NATO Brown?

Yes, for most jobs. Very close match (ΔE 5). BC Dark Brown is a little darker than NATO Brown.

Can I use NATO Brown instead of BC Dark Brown?

The same difference applies the other way round: NATO Brown is a little lighter.

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 BC Dark 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 BC Dark Brown
NATO Brown vs Golden Brown (71.032)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than BC Dark Brown
NATO Brown vs USA Flat Brown (71.026)Model Air · ΔE 4, very close · closer than BC Dark Brown

Other Tamiya paints close to BC Dark Brown

BC Dark Brown vs Linoleum Deck Brown (XF-79)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 3, very close · closer than NATO Brown
BC Dark Brown vs Linoleum Deck Brown (TS-69)TS Spray · ΔE 3, very close · closer than NATO Brown
BC Dark Brown vs NATO Brown (TS-62)TS Spray · ΔE 5, very close

All matches: NATO Brown equivalents · BC Dark Brown equivalents