AK Gen-3 Grey-Green and Desert Sand: Camouflage Painting Guide
By Panda Hobby - Canada's Largest Gundam Store | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to paint a two-tone desert camouflage on model kits using AK Gen-3 Grey-Green and ABTP417 Desert Sand, with thinning tips and a step-by-step process.
Quick answer
To paint a desert camouflage with AK Gen-3 Grey-Green and ABTP417 Desert Sand, apply the grey-green as your base color, then mask and spray the desert sand in soft-edged patches. Thin both acrylics to a milk-like consistency and build coverage in light layers.
Why these two colors work for desert camo
Grey-green provides a low-contrast base that mimics faded vegetation or shadowed terrain, while desert sand adds warmth and brightness. Together they create a subtle two-tone scheme often seen on modern armor and aircraft. Because both are acrylics, they dry quickly and clean up with water, making them beginner-friendly. However, quick drying also means you need to work efficiently and keep your airbrush or brush clean between colors.
Thinning and preparation
AK Gen-3 acrylics are formulated for both brush and airbrush, but they benefit from thinning. For airbrushing, mix approximately 1 part paint to 1-2 parts thinner (such as AK's own thinner or distilled water). For hand-brushing, a 1:1 ratio with water is usually sufficient. Always test on a scrap piece first. ABTP417 Desert Sand is a pigment-based acrylic; it may require more thorough mixing because pigments settle. Shake well and stir before use. If you use a homemade thinner, avoid alcohol-based ones as they can cause clotting.
Step-by-step desert camouflage painting
- Prepare and prime the model: Clean the model with mild soap and water, then apply a primer suitable for acrylics (grey or light grey works well). Let it cure fully. A smooth, cured primer coat prevents the acrylic from beading or peeling.
- Thin the grey-green and apply base coat: Mix AK11016 Gen-3 Grey-Green with thinner (1:1 for brush, 1:2 for airbrush). Apply 2-3 thin coats, allowing each to dry before the next. Thin coats avoid obscuring fine details and reduce the risk of runs.
- Mask the pattern: Use masking tape or putty to define the areas that will remain grey-green. For soft edges, use a raised mask or freehand airbrushing. Press tape edges firmly to prevent paint bleed; remove tape before the paint is fully cured to avoid chipping.
- Apply desert sand: Thin ABTP417 Desert Sand similarly and spray or brush over the unmasked areas. Build up light layers until opaque. Multiple light layers give a more even finish than one heavy coat.
- Remove masks and touch up: Carefully remove masking tape once the desert sand is dry to the touch. Touch up any bleeds with the base color. Let paint dry completely before removing tape to minimize pulling.
- Seal with clear coat: Apply a gloss or satin clear coat to protect the paint and unify the finish. Then add weathering if desired. A clear coat also provides a better surface for decals and washes.
Product facts
- AK11016 Gen-3 Grey-Green 17ml: AK11016 Gen-3 Grey-Green is a 17ml acrylic paint in AK Interactive's Gen-3 line. The 17ml bottle is enough for multiple small projects, and the Gen-3 formula is designed for both brush and airbrush use.
AK11016 Gen-3 Grey-Green 17ml - ABTP417 Desert Sand 20ml: ABTP417 Desert Sand is a 20ml acrylic paint from Abteilung, made with organic pigments. The organic pigments provide rich, fade-resistant color, but they may need extra mixing to ensure consistency.
ABTP417 Desert Sand 20ml
