Graveyard Batwing

Harley Graveyard Batwing

Well I have been really slack with updating my blog. The summer has gone by and I have put by bike away for another winter.

I got a call in June to paint a Harley batwing to match a custom paint that I finished last winter. The design is fairly simple but has a lot of impact.

I really enjoyed this project and have the rear fender to complete. I reused the cemetery stencil to keep the same look.

I used Autoair paint again so that I could match the fire colors. I printed a couple photos to try and match the true fire effect. I forehand the close up skulls and then clear coat the whole project.

 

 

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HOK KANDY PROJECT DONE

Well I finally finished my latest project and got to see the bike today. It is always exciting to see the bike all in one piece after you finish painting it. I must say I was excited when I saw it and it was a sharp looking bike. Above is the photoshop proof and the final pic of the bike.

Other than running out of paint this project was fun and turned out great. The client was happy and this makes for another showpiece.

This was the first time I painted with House of Kolor and I was suitably impressed with the paint.

 

HOK Brandywine Kandy

Well I finally finished my latest project. This was an experience that I won't forget. This was the first time I painted with House of Kolor paint. Not only that but first time spraying Kandy colors, other than Autoair paints.

My new shed finally came in and after installing my exhaust and a new wall my spray booth was almost ready to go. The shed was 12ft by 16ft and would be a better working space than before. Although with all the parts in the booth space would be tight, I would be able to spray the Kandy all at once.

I also bought a new compressor. 80 gallon tank with kickass power. I had to get 220 run to the shed to power it up. Cost me $500 to install but I had power.

This project sat on the shelf for quite a while before I could get to it. The client ordered all the HOK paint. I had put in the quantities for the job but he talked to a tech and he decided to cut the quantities down a bit. It did not pay off because I ran out and he had to order more. I lost a week of work which worked for me. The HOK sprayed like a charm. I primed, sealed and put Zenith Gold down. After a few coats of SG100 I started the artwork. I ended up with a clean Basecoat and art and it was almost time to Kandy with Brandywine. I knew that I could make or break this project and the client was getting anxious.

With the parts all scuffed, cleaned off and on the stands, I took a walk with the dogs to clear my head. I was pushing it off for the fear of screwing up. I was debating painting the kandy in the morning which now that I look back may not have been a good idea. It was dusk when I painted and bugs made their way in the booth. I decided to paint, it was now or never and if I was going to screw up then let it be. I was going to hit it straight on.

The Kandy went on like a charm, I had now streaking or wrinkling but what I was seeing is bugs landing on the paint and some dust debree. I wanted to freak out but there was nothing I could do but finish.

I put down 5 coats of Kandy and then finished of with 3 good coats of clear. The next day I would start the sanding and buffing. I would end up only spraying more clear on half the parts.

Other than the specks the paint job was almost perfect. I had no issues with the HOK and especially the Kandy. They are putting the bike together now and should have new pics on the weekend.

 

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Fireman Helmets

Well I finally got started on the fireman helmets. I got an order for six in March but did not start till I got a payment check. Actually when the check came In I was busy painting a bike so I put the helmets on hold.

After finishing the Charity Chopper I started on the Kandy Harley and when a break from running out of paint occurred, I started on the helmets.

Almost at the same time I received a email from the client checking up on the status. I guess it was time to get them done.

The helmets were new and probably could have sanded with 600 grit and then put the Basecoat but I decided to prime to give better adhesion to the plastic.

After the primer was dry I sanded and then put black as the Basecoat and then Clearcoat. Once dry I wetsanded with 800grit wet and the helmet was ready for artwork.

I used Autoair for the artwork and after a couple nights the painting was done. I really appreciate my sign plotter for cutting the firemans cross logo. Without this, it would have taken a crazy amount of hours.

It was time for clear and then final wetsand and buffing. I put the helmet parts back together and one was complete. Client will be picking it up, they wanted me to complete one before I painted them all. I took some artistic liberty to the design but I think the change looks good.