Flames Line Layout

[wickedpty]

When I lay down flames to paint I use 1/8 or 1/4 " tape. It never comes out with nice smooth lines though. I dont mean the paint itself being clean, I mean the whole flame line layout. The lines dont flow. How do I layout nice even flames on things. Thanks.
What tape, technique, etc. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif

 

[hoss]

i like the 1/8" blue tape. I also like to start at the furthest point that i want my flames to go. i start at the tip and work backwards.

Make sure your inner ovals are relativly the same size. If you have a bounch of different size flames, they just don't seem to flow nice.

try drawing the sides and top of a tank and doodle intill you find a lay out that you like. I've attached a doodle to show you what i'm talking about. knotice that the ovals are just about the same size.

hope this is what you're looking for?

 

[hoss]

oh ya, one other thing. when laying the tape down, hold the tape in one hand and apply it with the finger of the other hand. try to keep 10" or more of tape between your tape roll and the finger you are useing to press it on the tank with. when making your curves move the arm around that has the tape in it.

that's a little confusing?? someone can maybe chime in here and word it better??

I stole a pick from scott's how to section to explain the finger hand , distance thing.

 

[Mowe]

I think everybody has their own preferance when it comes to tape. I've found that blue 3M tape doesn't work well for me because I like to run tight curves now and then and they don't make it in a 1/16 inch and 1/8 tends to pull back. I use 1/16 fine line, then go over it half way with 1/8 Green Scotch tape to broaden the width for masking.
I've found that I pick up a lot of good ideas for flames by keeping a drawing pad and pencel by my chair when I'm watching T.V and just practice drawing flames. It kind of gives you a sense of flow and you can come up with some great ideas. Mostly it's just a hands on kind of thing and you have to practice with tape. Check out Scotts work, and you'll see how it's done. He does a great job..........Mo

 

[Ultra Al]

I like the grren 1/8 too. One thing I got from Steve Vandemon's dvd is pull out about 10 inches or so and keep the tape low, just off the tank or fender, this will let you pull tighter, smoother curves, the rest is just practice. I can definitely lay them out with tape better than I can draw them. AL

 

[AirArt]

Hi Mo,
I know what ya mean about the blue tape pulling back but the blue 1/8" seems to curve better and lay flatter than the green tape. When I make a tight curve with the blue tape, I'll immediately lock it down with a piece of 3/4" tape across the curve. Push the 3/4 tape down hard so the 1/8" tape can't pull back. Try it ... it works.
Good luck,
Phil

 

[wickedpty]

thanks for the replies i will try your suggestions.