New colours were also applied in a form of cloud like patches or large irregular patches. Both colours were much darker than previously used ones and very well blended with surroundings when covered by some dust and dirt. In 1937, small number of PzKpfw III and PzKpfw IV tanks entered service but it was not until mid 1940 that they were in service in significant numbers. In the spring, the paint was to be washed off revealing original dark grey. At the same time, vehicles on the Eastern Front were often applied with camouflage patterns similar to those used in 1934-1939 period as well as mud and foliage.
All vehicles send to North Africa arrived there painted in their original dark grey.
In the field, vehicles were often applied with mud and captured British paints. In addition, starting in spring of 1942, vehicles used in the southern parts of Russia, were often applied with tropical camouflage, similar or identical to those used in North Africa. In late August of 1942, near Leningrad, first action involving Tigers took place. In December of 1942, Tigers also saw combat near Tunis. New colours were sprayed and brushed by the units in the field following the order according to their own needs.