Custom Geiger Bike

I am finally getting these photos of the Geiger Theme custom painted motorcycle. The project was a lot of fun and the first time I used House of Kolor for detailed airbrush work.

Once I had my design idea down I started the process. I masked out where I was going to create a rusted metal tube effect. This would keep the area clean until required. Using a paper cutout I lightly sprayed a blueprint of the skulls and other components. For this project i would use leftover House of Kolor paint from another project.

I would create this using only white and black paint. At this point I was not worried about detail. This would give me a good starting point and as with most projects, I would probably modify it as I moved forward.

 

The next step is to start hitting the layout with more detail and start working on the shadowed areas. This is where you start to see the design take shape.

Once I am done with the white I started with House of Kolor Black and started working in the detail. Using masking and Airsick templates for textures I worked on the background features. Airsick stencils have great grunge style templates that work great when creating old rusted metal. I also used the stencils to create textures in the skulls. Airsickstencils.com

 

 

 

Here you can see the tube effect. Once I remove the tape it gave me the base for the tubes and it was just a matter of adding texture and shading.

 

Finally I use white to highlight areas and add the smoke. Then it's off for clear. Below is the completed front fender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kustompaint.ca

Custom Stratoliner Saddlebags

Now that I had finally caught up with my projects it was time to finally start on my bike. I had stripped it last fall to paint but paid projects took precedence.

I was planning on a biomechanical theme bike with artwork similar to Geiger. One of Geiger's famous art pieces was the starting point for my design. From there I had no idea where I was going.

The first thing that was for sure was that I wanted to strip the vinyl covering on the saddlebags. The vinyl was getting ratty and I wanted more space to paint. Space that would demonstrate my skills.

 

I had no idea what I getting into and wether I was destroying the bags. I was going to find out.

Stripping the Stratoliner saddle bag was a little more effort than expected but well worth the effort.

With a Xacto knife I first cut the stitches. I was not sure what to expect when I stripped the vinyl. I was expecting glue but to my surprise there was none. The vinyl stripped off fairly easily and within the hour I had the bag stripped.

Once stripped I realized I had work to do. A primer by itself would be enough.

The first step was to sand the surface with 80 grit to give the surface good tooth for the primer.

Here you can see the bag after a good saning. I then cleaned the surface and sprayed the bags with SEM Plastic Adhesion promoter and when ready primed it with SEM Flexible Surfacer. When dry I sanded the surface lightly. I was going to reprime so I was not worried if the surface was smooth. I only wanted to create tooth for the body fill and high build primer.

 

I used SEM No Swell Plastic filler to smooth out the surfaces. The one thing I was not expecting was the stitching holes that had to be filled. The previous owner also screwed a license plate bracket into the bag so I had to fill those holes. I sanded smooth and it was back to the spray booth for more primer. This time I was using Evercoat 2:1 high build. This stuff works great and covers well.

I used 220 grit to sand the primer smooth. I was getting pretty tired of sanding these bags but it would all be worth it. Once cleaned off it was back to to booth for basecoat and clear.

Here you can see the saddle bag ready for artwork. I wetsand the bag with 600 grit to give me a perfect surface. The green tape defines where I will create the ripped metal effect and the biomechanical effect.

 

 

Using House of Kolor white. I start the design. Working from the front to back I airbrush Geigers skull artwork to the bag.

 

Here you can see that I've started to shade and add detail. I am using House of Kolor Black and have slightly over reduced it to give me more detail but you have to be careful not to blow out. I also used Airsick Stencils to create the textures and grunge effects.

 

 

 

I continue with the black until I have painted the entire design. Using House of Kolor white I go back and add highlight to the design.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the final bag all cleared and on the bike. The work was worth the effort and the bags turned out great. You can check out more pictures at kustompaint.ca or orangepaintfactory.com

I will blog the rest of the bike custom paint process for the entire Geiger Theme Stratoliner Custom House of Kolor Bike.

 

Kustompaint.ca

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.

 

Charity Chopper - DONE

Well I finally put this project to rest. There were many points in this project that I was ready to hang up the gloves. I persevered and the bike looks good.

I must say that it did challenge my sanity and If it wasn't for the daily shot of whiskey at the end of each day, I would be insane.

 

It was a great learning experience and Because of the issues I have now upgraded the size of my spray booth and my compressor. All in all I am glad this one is done. I believe this one was cursed right to the last minute.