The nature of camouflage on World War II German helmets provides the basis for a near infinite variety of color and pattern combinations that were actually used.  Many modern collectors refute the various possibilities based on their experience in handling helmets that they consider to be "reproductions."

However, the following photos illustrate the many possibilities that existed for the ways in which a helmet might be camouflaged.  When paint was used, it was generally applied by large pneumatic spray guns or simply by paint brush using a hand-applied technique.  Many collectors use terms describing camouflage various patterns which sometimes include "two" or "three-colored", "sprayed", "splotched", or "cloud" in nature.  To a German soldier however, the method in which paint was applied to a helmet was far less important than the concealment that it gave him. 

The added protection of a camouflaged helmet aided each soldier with the ability to remain hidden in combat.  Even so, relatively few German soldiers had access to camouflage paint.  Those that did were generally associated with motorized units which also used different paints to camouflage their armored fighting vehicles.  The following photographs provide solid evidence that various patterns were used despite what many modern collectors claim.