24052 Semi-Gloss Marine Corps Forest Green- RAPCO Gallon Paint Cans

Federal Standard 24052 Semi-Gloss Marine Corps Forest Green

 — Semi-Gloss, rugged camouflage paint for every tactical pursuit. Battle-tested, non-reflective shades built for your trucks, ATVs, blinds, and outdoor gear.

Did you know? 

FS 24052 is a historic U.S. Marine Corps Forest Green strongly associated with Marine Corps vehicles from the Korean War through the Vietnam era. It was used on vehicles including the M38, M38A1, and M151, as well as other M-series USMC equipment. FS 24052 is particularly appropriate for 1950s–1960s Marine Corps restorations, making it a great choice for vehicles representing the Korean War and Vietnam-era USMC. U.S. government specifications also identify 24052 as Forest Green for military vehicle applications.

Using RAPCO Paints

RAPCO's gallon paints are single-stage, air-dry alkyd enamels that can be sprayed with conventional HVLP, siphon-feed, gravity-feed, or airless spray equipment.

1. Prepare the surface

• Remove loose rust, dirt, grease, wax, and oil.
• Sand glossy surfaces with 220–320 grit for better adhesion.
• Prime bare steel with a zinc phosphate primer (red, gray, or black oxide) if needed.
• Wipe the surface with wax & grease remover and allow it to dry completely.

2. Mix the paint

Military pigments and flattening agents settle to the bottom of the can.

• Stir thoroughly with a paint paddle.
• Use a drill-mounted paint mixer for several minutes.
• Scrape the bottom of the can until all settled pigment is incorporated.
• Continue stirring occasionally during spraying to keep the pigments suspended.

3. Thin if necessary

Depending on your spray gun:

• HVLP: Usually 5–10% thinner
• Conventional spray gun: 10–15% thinner
• Airless sprayer: Often no thinning required

Use the thinner recommended for alkyd enamel (typically mineral spirits or xylene, depending on the equipment and desired spray characteristics). Add thinner gradually until the paint atomizes smoothly.

4. Spray settings

Typical starting points:

• HVLP: 25–35 PSI at the gun
• Conventional: 40–50 PSI
• Spray 8–10 inches from the surface.
• Use approximately 50% overlap between passes.

5. Apply multiple light coats

Avoid heavy wet coats.

• Apply a light tack coat first.
• Wait 1–2 hours between coats.
• Apply 2–3 medium coats for full coverage.

6. Drying and curing

At approximately 70°F (21°C):

• Dry to the touch: 1–2 hours
• Tack-free: 4–6 hours
• Dry enough to handle: 24 hours
• Full cure: 24–48 hours, with the finish continuing to harden and flatten over 1–3 weeks, depending on temperature, humidity, and film thickness.

7. Coverage

One gallon typically covers approximately:

• 300–400 sq. ft. per coat, depending on surface texture and spray technique.

For example:

• HMMWV exterior: about 1–1½ gallons
• M151 Jeep: about ¾–1 gallon
• M35 2½-ton truck: 2–3 gallons

Pro Tips

• Keep the paint between 70–85°F for the best spray pattern.
• Strain the paint through a paint filter before filling your spray gun.
• Stir the paint every 10–15 minutes while spraying.
• Avoid painting in direct sunlight or when humidity is very high.
• Let the paint fully cure before washing the vehicle or exposing it to fuels or oils.