getting started project

[captbo]

I am new to custom paint. I have painted/ gelcoated lots of things for a lot of years , This winter I want to flame a couple helmets,, can someone give me a list of products to try!, I don't even know what type of tape to use to lay them out with ,, Thanks Bo

 

[rex]

I use regular auto base/clear to paint them with.For tape I use 3M blue fineline with 3/4" regular masking tape to fill in with.If you want tight flames you'll need to use 1/16" ,but I can usually get by with 1/8" for the flame size I do.There was a problem with 1/16" 3M fineline for a while and there's a long post about it about it 2 months ago.Punch '1/16 tape' in the search and you can read the outcome,I don't remember exactly where it is now.Oh,welcome to the site too,great place Scott set up here

 

[captbo]

Thanks Rex, is it possible to buy a pearl additive and use it in the same color as your base so the flames will have a little glitter/ sparkle. and if so do most suppliers carry such a think? Bo

 

[TAZ]

Most of todays bc/cc systems have pearls in their mixing systems. In fact, most of today's colors include some pearl (some mixed in with metallic).

You can alter the flame color, with either some pearl or metallic to get the desired effect for your flames.

 

[rex]

Like Scott said,pearls are very popular in factory colors so the paint munufacturers must have them.The only problem is they aren't cheap in the quantity you have to buy.Some of PPGs bottles of pearls can go for $70+ and there's alot there to be used up.Look at HOK's book and pick some pearls you like and oyu can buy 2oz. jars for around $25.Doesn't matter who makes it,just add it to your color to get the effect you want.Metallics have never really done anything for me compared to pearl,but the old Imron Polyurethane had a unique course metallic that really looked nice but nobody has copied it yet.PPG has a gold metallic now that has potential but i've yet to play with it.I think it would be t!ts under a red candy.