Suffering Flames

4933 Views 11 Replies 9 Participants Last post by DDent, Mar 8, 2002

79monte

Discussion Starter · Feb 28, 2002

Please help. I love the flame look and i can draw flames really well and wnat them on my car, i also want to do it my self. what is the procedure for tapping off the pattern and not messing up the design when you remove the tape.
Thanks for you help.
79monte

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Tom

· #2 · Feb 28, 2002

You are going to use fine line tape this is a product made for that type of work it is a plastic tape that bends and stretches very easily to go around corners and comes off without damage to the surface it also cuts a fine edge when removed, it comes in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2,3/4 and 1 inch widths nice product.once you have the design taped off use a 3M pad to scuff the exposed surface so the new paint will stick paying attention to the edges. then paint it

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johnnymopar

· #3 · Feb 28, 2002

Before you do what tom suggests, i've seen videos on this before. To get each side of the car symetrical you have to draw a pattern on paper. Then you get a pinwheel and trace your lines. Then you position it on the car and use chalk dust on the perforations. Remove your paper and then you can tape off. This way each side will be the same.

JB

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stoke46

· #4 · Feb 28, 2002

the way I have always done it is. Draw out your flames, then follow your flame lines with 1/4" masking tape using the inside edge for the outside edge of the flames. After this is done cover the entire area the flames are with paper> I have used plain old newspaper taped together to do this. Then take a grease pencil or crayon and rub the newspaper so the tape layout underneath shows thru. I then take an exacto knife and cut out the flame design, cutting down the center of the 1/4" tape underneath. When this is done I go back and tape the paper down on the exposed edge of the 1/4" tape with either3/8 or 1/2" tape this should leave your flame design ready to spray. I know this sounds a little complicated, but I have done many flame jobs this way and it works,good luck

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79monte

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 1, 2002

Thank you much gents, where can i find the fancy tape. I just might try all 3 at once. you never know.
Thanks
79monte

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Tom

· #6 · Mar 1, 2002

most automotive paint stores carry fine line tape the one I get most often is a 3M product but there are other brands, I do most of my dealings with Sherwin Williams they also carry House of Kolor paint products

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'66Biscayne

· #7 · Mar 6, 2002

If you want a good step by step procedure I would recomend back-ordering the febury 2002 issue of street rod builder. It has a great 90 step procedure with pics for each step I found it most helpful!

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57Chevyman

· #8 · Mar 6, 2002

Also if you are wanting to do it yourself a pin stripe on the edge of the flames looks sharp. Before you start to shoot the flames paint the edges the color you want the pin stripe to be and fine line tape over it folowing the tape edge on the car then shoot the rest.

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stoke46

· #9 · Mar 6, 2002

You might want to get a back issue of Rod And Custom. In the May 2001 issue it has a whole issue on painting techniques The article on flame painting is very informative covers from layout to finishing

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early-hemi

· #10 · Mar 7, 2002

For help with your flames try www.customflamepainting.com

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waltmail

· #11 · Mar 7, 2002

You might try buying or borrowing the current issue of Car Craft magazine. A complete detailed article on the art of painting flames.

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DDent

· #12 · Mar 8, 2002

Obviously you have to get a design down on the body. I use a white or black china marker to sketch it out. then when I'm happy with the layout, I tape it with 3M fine line tape. I like the blue stuff. Filling in between is time consuming and tedious. I use 2 inch. After you tape it all off and mask back to prevent over spray, wash it down really good with wax and grease remover. Scuff all tape eges with great care. Make sure you get rid of all shiny surfaces. If the fine line comes up remask it. Wet or dry sand the rest with 400 or 500 depending on the kind of paint you're using. After you lay the paint down and depending on how elaborate the flame scheme is you pull the tape. This is the crutial step. You can pull the paint right off if you're not carefull. Get all the fill masking off first then work the fine line. When we worked with lacquer we sometimes pulled the fine line tape immediately before the paint was dry. Today you have mostly enamel and your better off letting it dry or harden first. Pull your fine line off at a 30 degree angle into the fresh paint, so that it cuts a clean edge. That's one of the tricks so you don't pull off your new flames. I hope this is helpful.

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