Rust Orange vs Tan

How close are they?

ΔE 13.0, fair: the same colour family, but not a straight swap. Tan is noticeably lighter, more muted than Rust Orange.

Can I use Tan instead of Rust Orange?

Only where an exact match doesn’t matter, such as a new unit or a highlight. Fair match (ΔE 13). Tan is noticeably lighter, more muted than Rust Orange.

Can I use Rust Orange instead of Tan?

The same difference applies the other way round: Rust Orange is noticeably darker, more saturated.

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.