GHQ Models Forums

I am about to embark on what is sure to be a steep learning curve that is painting 1/285th infantry. I want to do some modern U.S. troops for my stryker units. Before I begin, I have three quick questions,

1. Has anyone tried to do modern camouflage for there modern U.S. Infantry? Now I know that no one is crazy enough to do a digital pixel pattern, but I was wondering if you painted them up using the colors.

2. If you have done some modern U.S. Infantry, what colors did you use?

3. Please share some pictures as well.

Thanks in advance for any help and pictures you can provide.

No pictures as yet but I can tell you what didn't work when trying to paint modern digital camouflage.

1. DO NOT try the "flicking toothbrush" method to put tiny spots of paint on the figures. It delivers variable sized paint droplets, some of which are way to big and too many of which end up on your shirt. Please don't ask how I know this.

2. The GHQ website and others prescribe the inside out technique. Paint the face and hands, then weapons, etc. Save the uniform for last as it can cover up errors or overpainting on the others. If, like me, your body has turned on you seeking revenge for the fun you had in your youth consider just painting a block color that approximates what the uniform would look like at 200 yards or roughly 15" on the game board.

3. If you're determined to do this, as I am, then take it slow. I'm painting up a batch of U.S. Infantry now and plan to paint it in the current ACU. My last attempt at this looks more like the Marpat design and I was really not happy with it.

4. Consider painting the desert pattern used in Iraq and Afghanistan or the "chocolate chip" design as they are easier.

5. Finally, do a search of this forum for "template." One of the hits covers Infantry templates and the originator of the topic generously provides colors and painting techniques you will find very helpful.

Good luck with it! Painting these little buggers can be trying but it is a heck of a lot of fun.

This is woodland camo




Not a great pic but this is chocolate chip from GW1

Waddell,

No way am I going to try and do a pixalated camo... LOL One thing I have learned, trying to get things to look good under the unforgiving eye of a macro lens or a magnifying glass, is an exhausting effort until my abilities improve to a much high level. At my age and being new to painting, I am learning to be happy with how it looks from a certain distance. Specifically what I was wondering about is the colors that are used. When I look at pics, the green looks like a faded out color and the background color looks like a sand color with a hint of green in it.

Cav Dog,

Great Job

Cama,

I have seen your french infantry and it looks great. have you done any modern US camo patterns which are used today?

I truly understand about not doing pixellated digital camouflage! I'm going to attempt doing a variant of it just to get the colors there. Doing all those tiny dots makes my head hurt. Besides, I don't think my ancient fingers will cooperate.

Cav Dog and cama do magnificent work! Good inspiration to follow!

I painted some modern British infantry in DPM using a stippling brush. I base coated green, then stippled black, sand and brown in that order. To stipple you use a "not quite dry" brush technique. Lightly load up the stippling brush with paint, wipe most of the paint off it and gently jab it onto the mini. Try to not let it slip or twist. The last color you apply will end up being the second most prominent after the base coat. Allow the paint to dry between colors to prevent smearing. Result is random small dots and blobs in all four colors. Obviously finish skin, weapons, boots and other gear once you are satisfied with the camo job. I'm traveling so don't have any pics but will try and post them when I return home in a couple of weeks.

Actually modern Russian uniforms are made for painting. Light green base with dark green splotches on top. No other colors involved unless you get into Naval infantry and such.

Modern British in DPM:

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Very Nice modern Brits Cav Dog.

Well done Cav Dog.

Cav Dog, those are magnificent! Great work!