Camouflage Paint

Learn how to camouflage paint to break up the outline of a deer stand or duck blind, or to add a personalization to a vehicle, room, or boat. Camouflage paint is used by hunters, but it also becoming more and more visual as a fashion statement or accessory. Camouflage is used to simulate the colors and textures of a natural environment, providing visual stealth for the user. Different areas and uses of concealment paint require different paint applications, so read on to find the steps to give your camouflage paint project a professional look.

Steps

1. Determine the camouflage spray pattern you want. Different areas of the world require different spray patterns to adequately camouflage something. For example, you would not want to paint a vehicle forest colors if you are on an expedition in the arctic.
   • Use blotches for deciduous forest and arctic applications.
   • A slash pattern may be used for deserts and grassy areas.
   • Broad blotches should be considered for jungle and coniferous forest areas.
2. Determine the backdrop color according to where your camouflage will be used. Avoid light background colors in heavily treed areas where the leaves and branches create a dark backdrop. Avoid dark backgrounds in meadows or lakes where fall grasses and reeds may be the primary colors.
3. Purchase the paint colors needed for your application. Most camouflage paint colors are tan, black, green, rust, and brown. White and grays may also be used for arctic camouflage. Purchase 3 or 4 colors to give your camouflage adequate depth and texture. Make sure to purchase flat or matte paint, not glossy.
4. Prepare the surface to be camouflaged. If you're painting on metal, be sure all rust, dirt, and oil is removed. Sand and prime the area as needed.
5. Use masking tape to cover the areas that you do not want disguised with paint. This may include the grip of a rifle or the truck's headlights.
6. Hang the item or place it on a piece of cardboard to catch the overspray if you're painting a small item.
7. Spray the base color onto the project, and be careful not to overspray. If the paint runs or produces splotchy areas, you are spraying too thickly. Move across the area of the project, and make even sweeps with the spray can. Allow the first coat to dry before applying another. Apply several light base coats instead of 1 thick one.
8. Use a sponge brush to dab blotches of a darker color onto the background. Make the blotches uneven and fairly large. Allow to dry.
9. Apply thin slashes of a third color all over the project. Allow to dry.
10. Cover the entire project with a matte clear coat.
11. Remove the tape from the masked areas when the last coat of camouflage paint is dry.
12. Finished.

Tips

• Use stencils to add patterns such as leaves, pine needles, or grasses.
• Always paint in a well-ventilated area.
• If you do not like a pattern, repaint with a base coat and start again.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper (as needed)
• Primer (as needed)
• 3 to 4 flat camouflage paint colors in spray cans
• Masking tape
• Cardboard
• Sponge brushes
• Matte clear coat spray
• Stencils (optional)

Related Articles

• Do Camo Spray Paint
• Paint Digital Camouflage
• Paint Woodland Camoflauge
• Camouflage Equipment

Sources and Citations

• http://www.wilderness-survival.net/chp21.php
• http://www.agspecialty.com/CamoHow.htm
• http://www.longrangehunting.com/articles/camouflage-paint-rifle-3.php

See also

• Paint a Stained Door
• Paint Ceramic
• Paint Sheet Metal for Home Decorating
• Paint Concrete Statues
• Paint Clouds on Walls
• Make Chevron Stripes
• Paint Stripes on an Interior Wall
• Paint Artwork for Your Walls
• Paint Your Carpet
• Paint Wall Art for a Kid's Room