Can you advise me on improving my ground mats.

I'm presently using Lidl/Aldi outdoor grass mats (Similar to a short pile rug with rubberised backing).
The actual grass element is both a bit dark, and of uniform colour.

I feel the need for some light variation of colour.
Two approaches seem possible.
 * Very careful drybrushing.
 * Spray from cans.

Has anybody done something similar.
Can you provide advice on colours and application - or point me to a blog?


Much appreciated.

I think breaking up the uniform colour is a good approach. 

How may be the challenge, and I think will depend on the material of the mat, and how well paint sticks to it. 

Spray paint is the normally seen approach for mats - but unless you already have the right sort of colours could get expensive quickly. I've seen people hang the mat on the washing line to do this - but might be just too late for this approach in the UK now!

With dry-brushing I doubt it needs to be too careful - a sponge might be a good approach rather than a brush. Packaging from blister packs can be a good source for sponges for this. 

Excellent suggestions Fred.

Sponges sound good.
They might even permit some semblance of field structures for my larger scale games.

I have quite a collection of mats, so can test some hobby paint on some of the less used offcuts.