Do It Yourself Camo Paint Patterns

Pick several cedar branches from your own yard to create a camouflage pattern.

Many different types of paint-it-yourself camouflage patterns are available for purchase online and in hobby supply stores. Numerous painting techniques can be used to create camouflage patterns, such as with masking tape or using a net to mask areas. One of the most simple and cost-effective ways to paint camouflage, however, is to create your own patterns using evergreen branches. Cedar and pine work well for this method. You only have to apply a base coat and two to three other colors of paint. Traditional camouflage uses browns and greens, however you can create camouflage patterns with any color you desire.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper or plastic tarping
• Masking tape
• Evergreen branches
• Brown matte spray paint
• Tan matte spray paint
• Olive green matte spray paint
• Green matte spray paint

Instructions

1. Find a well-ventilated area. Lay out newspaper or use plastic tarping and masking tape to cover any nearby surfaces that aren't going to be painted. Lay your object on the newspaper or plastic.

2. Shake the brown spray paint can until well mixed and hold it 12 to 18 inches from the surface. Apply a thin coat of paint to the entire object. Repeat within 30 minutes if another coat is required. Allow to dry for a minimum of two hours or until dry to the touch.

3. Scatter evergreen branches on the surface of the object. The branches should cover about 25 percent of the surface. Shake the olive green paint to mix the paint, using the branches as a mask to create the camouflage pattern.

4. Add additional branches to the object, covering approximately 50 percent of the area. Spray through these branches with green paint.

5. Place the final branches on the object until about 75 percent of the surface area has been covered with evergreen branches. Mix the tan paint by shaking thoroughly. Spray it onto the areas of exposed surface.

6. Lift the evergreen branches straight up and off the object, moving a few at a time if necessary. Allow the paint to dry for at least four hours or until the paint instructions say it will be fully dry.

References

• Geocaching: Rustoleum Camouflage Paints
• Savage Muzzleloading: How to Paint Your Rifle Camouflage