I have painted a few cars (base / clear), & have no problem with the bodywork, prep, painting, sanding, & buffing. I have never tryed anything like flames before, but want to do some ghost flames on my truck. Does anyone have a link to a "how to" site for ghost flames? Or has anyone here done it before? Any help would be greatly apreciated.

Also does anyone know if you can clear over 1200 grit sanding scratches without buffing them out first.

 

ghost flames is just pearl...seen it done several times at work

www.jonkmangarage.com click auto art we did a 70's F150 a while back turned out real nice, no how to section on the site just a few pics

 

You can also use a metallic (on darker colors like balck, use silver metallic) on just the flames. With pearl instead of coating the whole flame area's use a Airbrush or small spraygun to do just the edges and tips of the flames.

 

Also if you are going to do any intercoat clear sanding use 600grit Wet sandpaper... you want to make sure that it has good adhesion and doesnt lift off. Carlene asked about this in another threat (clearcoat is the topic I think)

 

Here is a site that will probably help you quite abit. It even has a forum so you can get answers to all of your questions.
http://www.customflamepainting.com/
Good luck hope this helps.

 

Flames run from the simple, one color, to the complex, many colors.

The intent with a ghost flame is to hint that a flame is there. Some ghosts can only be seen if the light is right and you are standing at the proper angle. This type of flame most likely has pearl in it. Another method is using a color similar to the color the flame is painted over. You could take a silver car and spray flames using more metallic or less metallic to define the flame.

The pearl I use is an additive (I use a powder form) that comes in all kinds of colors. Because pearl is very expensive I would suggest playing with contrasting similar colors first. This will give you time to hone your masking skills. Tip: use a really good tape such as 3M green line and their fish tape (plastic tape that allows for the extreme bends you need to make around the flames). There are other methods to mask the flames off that are less time consuming. One method is to use graphic artisits paper. This stuff is like one huge Post-It-Note. Its as simple as laying it down and cutting out the flame. More expensive than the tape method though. I found that when it comes to the actual drawing of the flames lots of practice was required. I probably spent 2 weeks just drawing flames out. I discouvered you need to let your hand flow. Don't stop in the process. You will find your rythm. It helps to have a picture of a flame sitting beside you. Try to copy it. In time you will discouver that a flame is made up of certain parts that repeat over and over.
As for the actual painting part you need to choke the gun trigger down. Less is more. Too much paint will cause a ridge to develop at the masking line. You need to think coverage not coats of paint. Put on as little as possible and enough to define the flame.