I am getting ready to start a M8 and I want to make this in winter camo. How was the whitwash applied to US cars and other counties? I have noticed that all whitewashed winter camo tanks and cars done in 1/35th scale seem to have a smooth finsh like it was done in a factory. I would assume that must of the whitewash (US German and Russian) should be brush painted on. My guess would be it was applied with a mop, rags or brushes. Should we be brushing the white paint on or spraying it?

Well the US Stuff was Lime and water for a real old fashion Whitewash like in Tom Sawyer. It was usually applied with Brush, Broom or Mop. Sometimes it was splashed on as well (GI's being what they are found the easy way if not the proper way sometimes). I use ground up pastel White mixed with water and it works great and lets you weather and wear it properly.
HTH
Jeff

Sounds like to me we should see a very un-uniform white finish then. Probably with brush marks in it. Anyone have any ideals how the GErman or Russians applied theirs?

Just been looking at Steve Zalogas Battle of the Bulge book, photo's of crew men putting it on with buckets and mops and one of a M8 that could only be described as seriously lived in.I think the germans did the same no masterpieces.

Gday Scott
As mentioned, mops buckets and brushes were used as improvisation. There was some spraygun application from some engineers units, but this would be a small percentage methinks... So the all over smooth finish would be less plentiful as it appears in modelling circles. The best way is to think like a 1/35 scale soldier and apply the whitewash at that scale Lime would show some rust streaks after time to add some more variety and as Jeff said white pastel works a treat, and is favourable for 'experimentation'... Try a flat brush application with pastel grounded and wetted with water. Let the whole thing dry haphazardly, and then remove areas of wear with a clean dry brush. Continue this process until it looks effective enough for you. Simmer for 10 min, stirring occasionally...