Painting Camo

[PKP80]

So in anticipation for a camo paint job, I've been doing some research into how the US Army does thier pattern laying (yes they have a process and there is a manual for it) and the type and color of paints they use.

My question to you guys is this. The military paint used is an enamel CARC (chemical agent resistant coating), would you spray a primer/base coat before the color ? Since I run the truck and it dents and scratches all over I was thinking a few coats of black or white primer (which one) before the camo would be wise, followed by a semi-gloss clear coat (I want some shine).

There is virtually no info on this site for guys who have sprayed their rigs camo (rattle can doesn't count). So any additional info is much appreciated (also pics). This will be my first auto body paint job, but have some experience painting homes, gates, etc. and have the gun, comp., etc. Thanks in advance.

(I'll be using the non-hazardous product)

[the truck doctor]

depnding on the colors you choose ,ex: woodland camo= black primer, dessert camo= white primer

[PKP80]

Originally Posted by the truck doctor

depnding on the colors you choose ,ex: woodland camo= black primer, dessert camo= white primer

Going with a dark woodland so a black primer would be the correct choice. is there such a thing as Tinted semi gloss clear coat? Something that would clear yet darken the top coat?

[ExpeditionXJ]

Originally Posted by PKP80

Going with a dark woodland so a black primer would be the correct choice. is there such a thing as Tinted semi gloss clear coat? Something that would clear yet darken the top coat?

I'm getting ready to spray my rig Olive Drab and asked about semi-gloss clear elsewhere. I was told all clear is the same, but you can add a flattener to it to dull it out.

I painted a few new rigs to our unit when i was stationed in Germany, we simply used the manual as a pattern guide... and freehand with a brush.

[Dynosoar]

If you use military surplus paint be careful, there is very high lead content. It makes it real easy to spray, just be sure to protect yourself. It is very scratch resistant too.


Dynosoar

[iaintscared1969]

I worked for Letterkenny Army Depot who does the retrofits and such on all military equipment. The correct primer that should be applied is Mil prf 53022. It is a white base for Desert tan. You can use Red epoxy primer and then apply the sherwin williams single stage CARC paint over the top. The correct sequence for painting the pattern is Green=entire surface. Trace outline with a piece of chalk labeling your black with a #2 and the Brown with #3.

You can use the 880 pattern here just trace the bed portion just like it is over the top of the truck. It is a lot of fun doing these. Remember Green, then brown, then black. When doing the black and brown use a narrow pattern on the gun, Trace your outline first then fill it in move quick so you won't see lines or dry spray.

Also once you are done stencil in your tire pressure over each wheel if you are going to do it authentic style. 1" stencil. Should read TP 35


Hope it helps and make sure you use a respirator!! It is nasty stuff. Not that I probably don't have a little first hand experience.

Here is a pattern link. MILITARY VEHICLE CAMOUFLAGE PATTERNS

[PKP80]

Originally Posted by iaintscared1969

I worked for Letterkenny Army Depot who does the retrofits and such on all military equipment. The correct primer that should be applied is Mil prf 53022. It is a white base for Desert tan. You can use Red epoxy primer and then apply the sherwin williams single stage CARC paint over the top. The correct sequence for painting the pattern is Green=entire surface. Trace outline with a piece of chalk labeling your black with a #2 and the Brown with #3.

You can use the 880 pattern here just trace the bed portion just like it is over the top of the truck. It is a lot of fun doing these. Remember Green, then brown, then black. When doing the black and brown use a narrow pattern on the gun, Trace your outline first then fill it in move quick so you won't see lines or dry spray.

Also once you are done stencil in your tire pressure over each wheel if you are going to do it authentic style. 1" stencil. Should read TP 35


Hope it helps and make sure you use a respirator!! It is nasty stuff. Not that I probably don't have a little first hand experience.

Here is a pattern link. MILITARY VEHICLE CAMOUFLAGE PATTERNS

The safety emphasis has been dually noted, thank you. I am not going for an authentic camo setup. With that said, I am thinking of changing the brown with a gray, any thoughts? Should I be spraying a white primer for a woodland pattern as well or do I want to go with a black primer? I want it to be a very dark almost tinted Camo if possible.

[NW-sickboy]

i like the camo look, I cant take the credit for this, and you prolly saw it at pismo but i love the skull camo paint job done by the guy with the chevy truck and cruiser bezel.

I am trying to figue out how to do a skull camo paint job with my rhino lining/flareless look, it hasnt come to me yet but this guys rig is definetly sick.

[PKP80]

That is Seth aka "SETHZILLA"s rig.

[iaintscared1969]

You could do a black primer, It will have a flttening affect to it. If you use white it will show your light coverage easy. The skull affect if you run a green/black/gray you could get an air brush and some skull transfers from a tatto or online shop and get after it. Cheap air brush 65.00 whole kit at Harbor freight. Makes it easy. Go for it and make sure you post up plenty of pics.

[PKP80]

What would be the difference if I sprayed Black then gray or brown (depending on which one you go with), followed by green?

Would the rig just be on the darker side?

[webelk6]

Originally Posted by Dynosoar

If you use military surplus paint be careful, there is very high lead content. It makes it real easy to spray, just be sure to protect yourself. It is very scratch resistant too.


Dynosoar

I can't believe they still allow lead paint

[iaintscared1969]

Depending on which way you paint it the Gray will stand out more plus if there was any over spray then it wil show on the black easier. But it really can be done either way. That is just the way the TM says to do it and the way we were taught.

[PKP80]

That's good to know...THe more I think about it, I might just do the whole truck in the Flat black and go for a more stealth look.

[iaintscared1969]

Go 3 tone black camo pattern

[PKP80]

Originally Posted by iaintscared1969

Go 3 tone black camo pattern

I never even thought of that. 3 black charc, jet, anth. or flat, semi, and gloss. Wish I could photo shop something to give me an idea of how that would look, I'm having a hard time piecing it together in my mind as to how it will appear. That is a VERY cool idea.