most of the time before. most (97%)
do your flames, then shadow them, clear it(2-3 med light coats), wait 24-48 hrs
scuff clear w/ red scotch brite or wet sand /w 800
apply pinstripes then clear again. make sure that if you're using 1 shot you put a little katalist in w/ the paint. if you don't the stripes will wrinkle a little.