I just got my truck back today from a shop that took care of putting down 2 layers of primer, and 3 coats of my base color. i just got it back, because i want to do my own pinstriping detail, and put some really nice flames on. then it will go back to the shop for the finnal 3 layers of clearcoat. i've done good work on smaller projects, but i want this truck to look really really good. it's been really built up as a good racer, and now i want that highquality custom look. i know i can do what i want to do good if i get the right tools. the frist step in my project will be the flames. the truck is a deep red, so my flames are going to be a contrasting blue, i want them to fade from a light "sky blue" to a dark "Ultra Marine Blue" with no real difinitive end, it just sorta stops and goes to the red.

If someone could instruct me on how to blend the colors together like this. i think i have an idea because i did it with my testors sets on modle cars. But i'ld rather have some outside input. i read a couple of conflicting things so any help on painting this would help.

Here's the look i'm going for, just not the right colors.



The pinstiping will go on the flame areas. I have a good sprayer, and a sanding wheel, just really want to know what tape is the most advisable.

any input apperciated.

 

If you want to tape off the pinstripe, use 3M blue fineline tape, 1/4" inch in my opinion is the largest you should go. I prefer hand striping with a sword stipe, but you need some practice and a steady hand.
Here is a gallery of pictures of my project, as we were painting the flames.
http://ryanrocketracing.com/G_Wagon_Paint2/
We painted the lightest color (yellow) first, then the orange, then blended the orange on top of or into the yellow. I find it easier to cover and blend with the darker color, instead of the other way.
There is a base under the yellow of a pinkish / flesh color that we use to help the color look right also. There is also Carizzma Bronze Pearl Powder in the flames & that really makes them jump in the sun or under fluorescent light. The blue is loaded with purple pearl, so the blue flops to a purple tint in low light.

Here is a gallery of the sword striping & then the clear over it. I went with lime green to really make the flames pop, in my opinion.
http://ryanrocketracing.com/G_Wagon_Paint3/

Does this help you with what you wanted to know ?

 

Wow, thats very cool, i waqnted my darker blue sections of the flame to ahve a purpley hint to them, maybe adding it in with a purple sparkel or mettal flake additive, but i dont know yet.

As for instriping, i cant do it by hand i'll have to spray, my hand is about as steady as... well it aint too steady, and i'll leave it at that.i like the way you rounded your flames around the door, mine wont be going back that far, but cool design non-the-less.