No shortage of substitutes here, Karak Stone from Citadel matches at 96 percent and 7 brands carry a strong same-finish near-match. In the pot, Iraqi Sand reads as a warm orange, light and moderate. Within the Vallejo range it ladders cleanly, Elf Skin Tone for the shadows and Desert Tan for the highlights. Bottom line: run out mid-project and another brand will get you within a shade.
Iraqi Sand equivalents across other brands
The short answer: yes, Iraqi Sand has a true equivalent. If the pot runs dry mid project, here is the closest color each brand offers.
Closest Citadel equivalent: Citadel Karak Stone, indistinguishable once dry (delta E 0.9).
- From Tamiya: Tamiya Flat Tan, a swap nobody spots at arm's length (delta E 1.5).
- AK Interactive's closest color: AK Interactive Ral 1039 F9 Sandbeige, a near match with visible drift up close (delta E 2.6).
- Nearest in the Two Thin Coats catalog: Two Thin Coats Skeleton Legion, close, with a hint of drift side by side (delta E 3.1).
- Best Revell option: Revell Sandy yellow/Sand (RAL 1024), a near match with visible drift up close (delta E 3.2).
- From Humbrol: Humbrol Oak, close, with a hint of drift side by side (delta E 3.6).
We checked the Lab numbers for a hidden catch and there is none: lightness and temperature both line up, so this swap is as safe as they come.
How to read the score
90+Close
80sUsable
<70Mix
Citadel
Tamiya
AK Interactive
Two Thin Coats
Revell
Humbrol
The Army Painter
Scale75
Monument Pro Acryl
Green Stuff World
P3 Paints
About this color
Color profile
Highlight and shade ladder
Pairs well with
Try any paint in the scheme toolMatch difficulty
Found in 7 other brands with a same-finish match.
Where painters use it
Frequently asked
What is the closest equivalent to Vallejo Iraqi Sand?
The closest same-finish match is Citadel Karak Stone at 96% color similarity.
What color is Iraqi Sand?
Iraqi Sand is a light moderate orange with a warm undertone (hex #B4935E).
What do I highlight and shade Iraqi Sand with?
Highlight Iraqi Sand toward Desert Tan and shade it down into Elf Skin Tone, both Vallejo paints in the same finish family.