Harley - WIP

Painted some more today. Still trying to get the effect I am looking for and ended up washing the panel off twice today.

I decided to try another process and although it was the first time painting true fire this way, I could see promise and a good way forward.  Tomorrow I will work on the other panel and the tank to see if I can match up true fire effect on multiple pieces. 

Harley WIP

Still going at it. Started painting other side. I have the fire on the saddlebags tomorrow and then I will work the skulls and graveyard scene. 

Getting the colors with Autoair is not simple. You have to work it, the colors are not as opaque as euros and you need to layer the colors to build up the right intensity. Practice makes it easier. 

I finished the side panels but decided that I will redo one tomorrow. I was not really happy with it.

Harley WIP

All the prepping is done and after sizing all my graphics, I was ready to start painting. 

This is the first time I am painting truefire on a surface that is not black. When painting truefire on a surface that is black, you have the flexibility to touch up and can be a little more free with spraying the candy colors. The candy colors on black  will disappear when clearcoated.

I am using Autoair paints and the process is a little more difficult than with euros. It's easy enough to paint the colors but if you want to get intense depth, you need to paint in many layers. Another important point is that you do not see the candy effect until the piece is clearcoated, so don't be discouraged if the artwork does not seem bright. It will pop when you clear and you will be amazed by the depth of colors.

Prepped and ready

Spent a few hours taking the chrome parts off and sanded the parts. I am keeping original color so I am just scuffing up the surface to paint and then reclear.

Once dry I will clean with degreaser and I will be ready to paint.

Pinstripe Practice

I've been pretty busy lately working on my pinstriping skills. I had not touched my brushes in about 20 years. I started practicing again, trying to master the skill as I was getting back in the business. I got back to striping with my old Grumbaucher dagger brush until I decided to put it down for a Kafka brush. 

It has taken me a bit to get used to the new style of painting but I am liking the feel of the brush and the power of doing scroll style and old school without switching brushes. I still have a lot of practice but I already have my first striping job in a long time. I will be striping a Spyder this winter. 

The Kafka brushes have a lot of control and as I continue to practice, I am getting better at pulling consistent lines. I find I cannot get the fine points I was getting with a dagger but I will keep on trying. I would recommend the Kafka brushes for any beginner.