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.

Harley Project

I finally finished quick proofs on my latest project and the client is happy with the proof. I picked up the parts on Sunday and with the client sign off and deposit, I am ready to go.

The client decided to have a design painted on the current paint, so I do not have to repaint the bike. A good Westland and I will be ready to start painting. 

The client gave me the skull design that I will use as a guideline and I searched the web for graveyard ideas. He wanted true fire but not bright fire. The color will be on a metallic grey and should look great. The paint should compliment all the chrome and accessories that he has added and make this bike a show bike when complete.

I will start prepping this week but will not paint till I get back from Florida next week. 

LATEST HELMET

It's been a while but I finally got back to painting after taking the summer off. I spent the summer riding around the maritimes and did not have much interest in being in the shop painting.

One of the riders that come out with us, wanted a helmet painted. Jim Bishop is a Elvis impersonator and wanted a Elvis themed helmet. After a few layout designs, we ended up settling in on a design. He dropped off the helmet and I was on my way.

The paint is a mix of Elvis design and pictures that I took of Jim doing a local concert. I have about 20 hrs in this job and I am pretty happy with the final product. The entire job was painted using Autoair paints and although these paints take a while to get used to, they work well.

I ended up using my new redsail cutter and it worked well. I used the cutter to cut the lettering, the lights and Elvis for the front. I ended up cutting Elvis's signature by hand using a photocopy and frisked film.

I should have kept painting to keep my skills up. It took a little while to get back in the groove. I had to get used to fine details, accurate spot touching and getting used to mixing the right paint consistency. Not as easy as you would think.

Tomorrow I clear the helmet and will post final pics.