What is the difference between Tan (USAF) and Light Brown?

ΔE 6 (very close). Light Brown is a little darker, cooler. Swatch colours are estimates.

Tan (USAF) vs Light Brown

Tan (USAF)

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

Light Brown

Brand: Vallejo
Range: Model Air
Code: 71.027
Type: an opaque base/layer paint
Swatch: #a4885f (estimate)

How close are they?

ΔE 5.5, very close: most people won’t see a difference side by side. Light Brown is a little darker, cooler than Tan (USAF).

Can I use Light Brown instead of Tan (USAF)?

Yes, for most jobs. Very close match (ΔE 6). Light Brown is a little darker, cooler than Tan (USAF).

Can I use Tan (USAF) instead of Light Brown?

The same difference applies the other way round: Tan (USAF) 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 Tan (USAF) on the colour wheel See Light Brown on the colour wheel

Other Vallejo paints close to Tan (USAF)

Tan (USAF) vs Barbarian Skin (72.071)Game Color · ΔE 7, close
Tan (USAF) vs USAF Tan (71.348)Model Air · ΔE 7, close
Tan (USAF) vs Sand Beige (71.244)Model Air · ΔE 7, close

Other Tamiya paints close to Light Brown

Light Brown vs Buff (XF-57)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 11, fair
Light Brown vs Wooden Deck Tan (XF-78)XF Flat Acrylic · ΔE 13, fair
Light Brown vs Wooden Deck Tan (TS-68)TS Spray · ΔE 13, fair

All matches: Tan (USAF) equivalents · Light Brown equivalents