The problem is that there are several different types of texture, each requiring its own method.
Earlier Merkavas looked like they had texture sprinkled onto the surface and then painted. So that’s how I modeled early Merkavas - a very thin layer of thinned white glue or paint, fine sand, and then paint. It’s the best way to replicate sparse and unevenly applied texture.
This old M109A5 I chiefed had panels of no slip, much like skate board tape only much larger panels. I replicated it as best I could with wet/dry sandpaper. However, it was a little thick.
Texture on many early Paladins was also made from stick on panels, but they were much thinner. So to replicate that look I used sanding film. The texture isn’t very visible, but then it wouldn’t be if actually viewing the real thing from that distance.
Of course there’s there’s the spray can method, which I also use. It only works on vehicles that have a very even texture:
And finally there’s this that appears on many modern vehicles.
It can’t really be sprayed, not realistically. You have to apply a thin layer of putty, add “brush strokes” and then then texture.
I no longer have an example of it I’ve done myself, although it did turn out pretty well.