How to spray on Camouflage?

[andrewg]

This summer I'm going to camouflage my little Ford Ranger. I want to do it with spray cans only and I'll be using a three or four color military pattern I've obtained online. I do not want a hunting pattern or a stensil kit. Does anybody out there have any suggestions or ideas to make the task turn out properly? I am not much of a painter but I have done many scale aircraft models. From what I know I need to sand the clearcoat off with 80 grit. Then apply three coats of primer. Then, use a sanding block with 120 grit. Next, using an olive green (Krylon camo series) base, spray the entire truck that is to be painted (after masking of course). Then use the next color (light green) and free-hand the pattern (I want a blended, 'misty' edge between colors). I will use two coats per application. Thirdly, I will apply the sand color using the same free hand method. Done....except for one major question......since I will be using a flat paint, should I use a flat clear coat (assuming they have one) over the entire paint job or leave it as is?
Thanks for any ideas.

 

[gomes512]

Yes matte finish the gloss will look odd. I've painted a few rifles this way.

https://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(z3gbkaz434y4eyvxzdxb3c45)/ProductDetails.aspx?SKU=1370972

This clearcoat gives me the best finishes in terms durability. I'd imagine the UV resistance would be a major benefit in your case.

 

[Shannow]

I painted one of my ammo boxes in metallic camo, making up a funny multi curved card board "template" spray shield/mask that I could rotate as needed to get a variey of curves and shapes.

Turned out OK.

 

[greenaccord02]

I'm glad somebody asked this question. I had been wondering the same thing in the back of my mind.

 

[andrewg]

Thanks for the replies. I did check out the Krylon site and they have a tutorial on camouflage for a vehicle. It was interesting in that they didn't say a thing about clear-coating it afterward. Must not be important when we are just talking flat paints that you could just touch-up with a matching spray can now and then.
http://www.krylon.com/projects/sports-recreation/camo-4wd-sidekick/index.jsp

 

[kkreit01]

I hope your Ranger is in really rough shape for you to take a rattle can to it...

 

[andrewg]

Originally Posted By: kkreit01
I hope your Ranger is in really rough shape for you to take a rattle can to it...

Nope. Actually it's very straight and less than ten years old. Check out the picture on the link I sent. Not all home spray can jobs look crummy....especially when you're just talking flat paints in a camo pattern. I like the military camo look and myself and not particularly the hunting pattern pictured. Too me there is just something neat about a simple, flat, military camo job that really appeals to me. (And no, I am not from the backwoods nor do I live in a trailer.....and I have all my front teeth...lol).