Camo paintjob

[N_Strike]

Hi guys, I try to post some pics of my second attempt to camo paint my Whisper. Hope it'll help somebody, if I forget some tips just ask, I'll be glad to answer you.
Emi.
Let's start with step 1
First of all is to mask with proper tape all the parts you won't paint (they'll remain black as they are) as the index, scope turrets and so on,than wipe the whole rifle (stock, action and barrel) with a solvent to remove grease and oil from any surface,for a better result wipe it twice (I even brushed a bit the metal parts).If you feel to make something more complete\professional you can primer the metal parts with few coats of the right metal primer. Now we start with the first coat of sand and brown in alternate wide stripes.
One side at a time, don't hurry.

[N_Strike]

Step 2
When the paint is enough dry on both sides, you'll have to search some branches,leaves etc.. right in the place you use to hunt,this way the final result will match the surrounding environment.You'll use these as a mask (these in the pics have been found right out of my yard) with 1 or 2 different tones of green,starting painting over the first layer to create the visual effect of shaded branches (or at least this might be the intent ...).

[N_Strike]

Step #3(we're at a good point)
This time we need leaves of different shape,as you see in the pics (sorry I used only 1 ,too lazy,too hurry), again with sand color,we still use them as the branches before (be carefull not to overuse this pattern), a bit of spray here and there.

[N_Strike]

Step 4
Ok now the rifle should look already cool, but we still need to add some details to fulfill some too wide spaces and to break the shape. For this we'll use some masks we've prepared earlier using thick print paper or cardboard. First brown and then green from dark to light, the black is the very last of the colours and might no be use much and always in small amount. Try to use large pattern for big areas and tiny stripes for the turrets and other small particulars (screws, pins, edges and logos).

[N_Strike]

Ok here we're at the last part before you'll try to attempt something like that or,I hope,better.
Just some more pics of the finished rifle and some spots.I did not primer any metal or plastic part, just brushed the action with Scotch-Briteâ„¢ Ultra Fine Hand Pad, it's one year I've painted the other Gamo I have and after that (I abuse it 3-4 times a week for 2 hour practice) it didn't seem to came off. I found it's important for the first layer of paint to be really thick, especially on both grip and fore stock (not in just one single coat, 2 or 3 would be ok). Regarding the finishing with a lacquer, it might be a good idea to cover and protect everything if only I'd be able to find a matte lacquer in my zone, remember that in field use it's easy to scratch the paint and it'd be better to retouch it if it's without lacquer, just think first how you gonna use it.
Emi.

[longislandhunter]

Great post !!  Thanks Emiliano for taking the time to post all the pics along with the description of the process, I really enjoyed that and got a lot of useful info in the process.   Makes me wanna head down to the shop and get painting  which I will pretty soon....

I think the other members will enjoy your post as much as I did... thanks again for showing us your technique.....



Jeff

[shadow]

Yes great post buddy along with a step by step process of how you apply your camo. This will help those who want to dive into putting some camo on their hunter. Ed

[TheKnot]

You have skills very good work and tutorial I'am sure others would desire your services I personaly like the tape only because i like my gamo black after hunting season

[bcshooter]

Great job on your camo look paint job Emiliano, you are a true artisan. We have a few men here that do similar camo paint job scenes in the GTA, maybe you will cross their path one day soon, Shadow is one, he is very good at what he paints....similar to Picasso.......Shoot Safe and Enjoy.....Bill

[mac56]

not to sound too dumb here, but what kind of paint did you use? was it spray can or air brush?what about a final coat of a clear spray enamal?  mike

[N_Strike]

Thanks guys,since the first time I entered GTA I knew it was the right place for me to share my passion with others.

[airiscool]

Excellent post !!! That looks so much better than the all dull black of my Whisper !!!!!!

Good point about the scotch brite pads.

Rather than take the time to scuff the entire gun, I used a moss green PPG auto epoxy primer, that I use at work, on my Savage 22 mag. It has fantastic adheasion on metals so I thought it would make a good base color and primer. Even though I washed the gun/scope  down with precleaner, it's sticking ok to the metal, but it's flaking off the plastic of the scope and stock.

"Mechanical adheasion " (sanding) is a must.

Paul.

[kp4att]

EMILIANO, thanks for teach me how to make a camo design, I had no idea of how easy could be done with your instructional photos.

Thanks

/Gerald

[Meann-Machine]

Nicely done.

[Walt]

Looks great. Just don't drop it in the woods, you would have to trip on it to find it again.
W