I hand-painted camo one time many years ago and it turned out great. It's been so long now I really can't remember, but I think I masked it. I always airbrush things these days, so I'm not sure what would be best. If I tried it now, I'd mask it because I can't paint worth a hoot with a brush anymore. IT would be a lot less effort if you could do it without masking though, and you are more familiar with your abilities. Why not practice on a piece of scrap and see how it looks to you?