custom graphics

[Envious Interiors]

i like to paint flames, and stuff like that, but if you see those really wild paint jobs, with all of the different shapes and stuff, how do they get the sharp edges to come in. like on tribal flames. i cant figure out how to make the edge sharp then the flame goes the other direction. ive been told to never use a razor blade when doing this because it could damage the paint, so, what kind of tips do you have. ive heard of using transfer tape, but how well does it work at keeping paint out of the areas that u dont want it. also, how do you mask over other graphics for other ones without screwing them up. oh, and one more thing. when doing multi color graphics, do you need to clear the whole thing after each color, or can you just tape it off like normal 2-tone paint jobs. if you do have to clear, what do you do to get each new layer of paint on without problems? thanks a bunch

 

[TWISTED]

Transfer tape is the easiest way to go.Draw your design on it and use a very sharp xacto blade or a scalpel to cut the tape. If you are careful you will never touch the paint under it.
You dont need to reclear after each color.start with the larger areas in the background first moving to the foreground and the more detailed areas last. You can do foreground colors over the background to avoid double masking. Clear after the whole thing is done.
With complex graphics you may need more than the double dose of clear. Especially with the clears that are available now.
Hope this helps.

 

[Burton]

Transfer paper works great! I’ve also been playing with liquid mask. It sprays on real nice and helps out in the places that the transfer paper might wrinkle on you, like on really curved surfaces.

 

[TWISTED]

I've also used rubber cement, liquid latex alluminum foil, cotton balls(great for clouds), and elmers school glue. When your desperate and running out of time you tend to get pretty creative.

 

[imported_h steve]

I use Gerber Mask fo relatively flat surfaces. For curved areas and complex stuff I use Grip Mask. It's a spray on liquid that drys, then is cut. Both products are sold by a company called Tubelite, they have a web site.

 

[MPAVLAS]

HEY H STEVE WHATS THE WEB SITE FOR TUBELITE I KEEP GETTING LIGHT AND FIXTURE WEBSITES