What is the difference between NATO Brown and Malefic Flesh?

ΔE 11 (fair). Malefic Flesh is a little lighter, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

NATO Brown vs Malefic Flesh

NATO Brown

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

Malefic Flesh

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Fantasy-Pro
Code: 74.012
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #8a6055 (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 11.4, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Malefic Flesh is a little lighter, cooler than NATO Brown.

Can I use Malefic Flesh instead of NATO Brown?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 11). Malefic Flesh is a little lighter, cooler than NATO Brown.

Can I use NATO Brown instead of Malefic Flesh?

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

Other Tamiya paints close to Malefic Flesh

Malefic Flesh vs Red Brown (TS-1)TS Spray · ΔE 5, very close · closer than NATO Brown
Malefic Flesh vs Dark Earth (AS-22)AS Spray (aircraft) · ΔE 7, close · closer than NATO Brown
Malefic Flesh vs NATO Brown (TS-62)TS Spray · ΔE 11, fair

All matches: NATO Brown equivalents · Malefic Flesh equivalents