What is the difference between Tan (USAF) and Desert Tan?

ΔE 10 (fair). Desert Tan is more muted, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Tan (USAF) vs Desert Tan

Tan (USAF)

Brand: Tamiya
Range: AS Spray (aircraft)
Code: AS-15
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #b5926c (estimate)

Desert Tan

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Color
Code: 70.765
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #a8997b (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 10.3, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Desert Tan is more muted, cooler than Tan (USAF).

Can I use Desert Tan instead of Tan (USAF)?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 10). Desert Tan is more muted, cooler than Tan (USAF).

Can I use Tan (USAF) instead of Desert Tan?

The same difference applies the other way round: Tan (USAF) is 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.

See Tan (USAF) on the colour wheel See Desert Tan on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Tan (USAF)

Tan (USAF) vs Light Brown (71.027)Model Air · ΔE 6, very close · closer than Desert Tan
Tan (USAF) vs Barbarian Skin (72.071)Game Color · ΔE 7, close · closer than Desert Tan
Tan (USAF) vs USAF Tan (71.348)Model Air · ΔE 7, close · closer than Desert Tan

Other Tamiya paints close to Desert Tan

Desert Tan vs Wooden Deck Tan (XF-78)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Tan (USAF)
Desert Tan vs Wooden Deck Tan (TS-68)TS Spray · ΔE 5, very close · closer than Tan (USAF)
Desert Tan vs Buff (XF-57)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 10, fair · closer than Tan (USAF)

All matches: Tan (USAF) equivalents · Desert Tan equivalents