PAINTING US INFANTRY

How to Paint US Infantry Army Men with Vallejo Model Color Paints

Painting plastic army men is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to get started in miniature painting. With just a handful of paints and a little patience, you can transform a plain plastic figure into a realistic World War II soldier ready for display, gaming, or your next diorama.

In this guide, we'll paint a classic US Infantry figure using Vallejo Model Color acrylic paints.

What You'll Need

• Vallejo Black Primer (Spray Can)

• Vallejo Model Color Khaki (70.988)

• Vallejo Model Color Reflective Green (70.890)

• Vallejo Model Color Green Brown (70.879)

• Vallejo Model Color Flat Brown (70.984)

• Vallejo Model Color German Camouflage Black Brown (70.822)

• Vallejo Model Color Silver (70.997)

• Vallejo Model Color Burnt Umber (70.941)

• Fine detail brush

• Water cup

• Paper towels

• Primer

Step 1: Prime the Figure

Start by priming the miniature. A black, brown or olive-colored primer works especially well for military subjects because it helps establish shadows and speeds up the painting process.

Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on.

Step 2: Paint the Uniform

Apply Vallejo Khaki (70.988) to the jacket and trousers.

Don't worry about perfect coverage on the first coat. Two thin coats will usually provide a smoother finish than one thick coat.

Step 3: Paint the Helmet

Use Vallejo Reflective Green (70.890) for the helmet.

US helmets often weathered quickly in the field, so slight variations in color only add realism.

Step 4: Paint the Webbing and Equipment

Paint the belts, suspenders, pouches, canteen cover, and other gear with Vallejo Green Brown (70.879).

These items were often made from canvas and appeared slightly darker than the uniform itself.

Step 5: Paint the Rifle

For the wooden stock, use Vallejo Flat Brown (70.984).

For the barrel and metal components, use Vallejo Silver (70.997). Apply sparingly. A little metallic paint goes a long way.

Step 6: Paint the Boots

Paint the boots with Vallejo German Camouflage Black Brown (70.822).

This dark brown creates a realistic leather appearance without looking overly black.

Step 7: Add a Wash

Mix Vallejo Burnt Umber (70.941) with water until it has the consistency of milk.

Apply this mixture over the entire figure. The wash will settle into the folds and creases, instantly adding depth and contrast.

Allow the wash to dry fully before handling the miniature.

Step 8: Optional Highlights

For extra contrast, lightly drybrush the uniform with a small amount of Khaki mixed with an off-white color.

Focus on raised folds, knees, elbows, and equipment edges.

Finished Figure

After the wash and highlights are complete, you'll have a realistic US Infantry soldier with crisp details and natural-looking shadows.

The best part? This entire paint scheme uses only a few colors and can easily be repeated across an entire squad, making it perfect for beginners.

Final Thoughts

Miniature painting doesn't have to be complicated. Start with a simple color palette, focus on neat brushwork, and let the wash do most of the heavy lifting.

Before long, you'll have a platoon of painted soldiers ready for the battlefield.

Happy painting!