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DIY Rattle Can Camo -
Shotgun Paint Job
April 2025
Mike Sardinha  

First Stencils

First Color
 

Second Stencils

Second Color
 

Peel and Reveal

If you’ve got an old shotgun laying around that could use a facelift—or you’re getting prepped for turkey season—this is an easy way to give your gun a custom camo look with just some spray paint and stencils.

My shotgun started out black, so I was able to skip step one (painting it a base color), but I’ll walk you through the rest, especially how I did the extended mag tube since that’s when I started snapping photos.

What You’ll Need:
• Spray paints (I used flat FDE and flat OD green)
• Camo stencils (I used Bottomland—picked mine up on Etsy, but Amazon has them too)
• Painter’s tape (optional, for masking off certain parts)
• Time and patience

Step 1: (Optional) Spray Base Coat
If your gun isn’t already black, start by spraying it down with a flat black base coat. Let it dry completely before moving on.

Step 2: Apply First Set of Stencils
Lay down your first set of camo stencils directly onto the gun part you’re painting. For curves like the mag tube, take your time to make sure they stick down well. This layer will remain black (or your base color) when the paint job is complete.

Step 3: Spray First Colors
I used Flat FDE (Flat Dark Earth) for my first color. Spray a light, even coat over the entire area. Let it dry thoroughly before moving on.

Step 4: Apply Second Set of Stencils
Once the first color is dry, apply your second set of stencils. These should go over the first color to break up the pattern and add more depth.

Step 5: Spray Second Color
Now hit it with your second color—I used Flat OD Green. Again, spray evenly and let it dry completely.

Step 6: Peel and Reveal
Once everything is dry, carefully peel off all the stencils to reveal your custom camo pattern.

Final Thoughts
This is a pretty simple project, though it does take a bit of time. I think the finished product is worth it. Whether you’re going for a functional turkey gun or just want to give your shotgun a custom look, give this a shot.

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