need a little advice from all you pinstripers out there. got a friend that wants me to pinstripe his brand new dodge magnum. i'm confident that i can do a good job with the brush but i've never pinstriped a car with this nice of a paint job, i'm used to flat paint and primer. what kind if any prep should i do on the car? should i use hardener with the one shot? what would you use to wipe off any mistakes, mineral spirits? if anyone has advice, i would really appreciate it, it would be cool if i look like i know what i'm doing. thanks...
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
"it would be cool if i look like i know what i'm doing."
Are you serious? I'd think what would be cool is for those out there that don't know what they're doing to NOT do it, THAT would be cool!!!
That said; the procedures for "nice" paint is the same as for primer, say. Clean surface good, correct mistakes w/thinner(mineral spirits),use hardner if you feel it's neccessary, take pictures(after coming in here with this request, you owe us pictures). Good luck, hope it comes out as good as you hope it will, and use mineral spirits to wash it off if you don't like it when done.
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
Suggest that the vehicle in question be taken to a registered PIN STRIPER nearby in your area and that should give you the opportunity to watch and learn if the striper can see fit to let that happen. Not to be putin'no rank on yer stuff, but think about the mess you could be in if it don't go well. I have been there. Be smart and start at the shallow end of the pool. Listen and learn. Or, take the high road and send it off to Frank Magoo, who will definately school ya. He's that kind of a human.
CrazyJack
Posted by gilbert cunningham (Member # 5171) on :
hmmmm well you could always tape it off with some pinstripe tape(stripe-it) and paint inbetween the lines pull off the tape and add some florishes to the ends and see how that goes
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Jack, send them all, if they got the "jack", I got the "mack"!!!
Gil; that is the worst stuff out there!!!! Listen, get some Finesse Tape,look in the merchants room here and see if any of them handle it, if not, it's advertised in Signcraft and others, does a much better job. It's made of plyable plastic, not paper like "stripe-it", paint won't absorb into sides of it and it won't tear and will make turns w/o tearing.
I don't think this guy's problem is ability, just not schooled in guandra of painted surface striping. (how's that for sentence structure Jack?) Posted by gilbert cunningham (Member # 5171) on :
oh it use to be like the sign tape along time ago hate that new paper stuff
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Hey, Frank-guandra? Looked that up & it's not in my dictionary!
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Cloudy, I think he meant "GENRE"????
Matt, try practicing on your own vehicle first. Or a fender from a nice new (totalled) car from or at the junkyard. That way you'll have a test run.
If you can't do it, don't, CrazyJack is right. You are close enuff to Magoo in Vegas, and he is a kind teacher, even if he can't spell.
I am a painter, and most Pinheads will argue that sign gals can't stripe. (umm, tell that to C-Line Connors or Carol Mittelsdorf guys) I do OK at it, enuff to do a bike or two in the summer.
I usually don't add hardener tho, cuz it scares me. It's like adding Viagra to paint. But it might be a good idea to use it for longevity. Gavin can tell you the ratio. Love.....Jill
Posted by Matt Minjares (Member # 4685) on :
i knew i'd get some good responses with that post. thanks for the advice everyone, i wasn't completely serious. i've practiced on my cars quite a bit, i'm not a total beginner, but it'll be a few years before i catch up with magoo. and i wouldn't do any job i didn't feel comfortable doing, especially on my friends pride and joy. thanks again guys, i always know where to come for good advice and a laugh...
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Sure Matt, that's easy to say now that their laughing at my spelling.
Shush Cat, and Jill, t/y, genre is correct, but then, whoever accused me of being correct? (just cute)
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
And cute you are! Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
That's how I got started -- somebody talked me into doing it. Those folks are brave, but sounds like he trusts you, so go for it.
Have him bring the vehicle in washed, but not waxed. Use a solvent type surface prep such as DX 330. Go over the surface with this liberally. Spray on a solution of 1 gallon water: 1/3 qt. rubbing alcohol: 1 OZ Ivory diswashing detergent. Wipe off surface prep and solution with Bounty paper towells. Try to wipe off like a window washer would do, by wiping away rather than wiping in a circle. Use towells liberally and throw them away, because they are getting rid of contaminants. Follow up with just straight rubbing alcohol. Repeat the process until the surface squeaks -- this indicates that the surface is free of wax.
Yes use the hardener with 1 Shot, and use their reducers instead of mineral spirits. Use the right one for the temperature your working in, but don't work on a cold vehicle. You can remove mistakes with your solvent surface prep. You can eliminate any static electricity with the rubbing alcohol.
Tell him to not wash the vehicle for a week. Wash by hand for a month. It takes about 5 weeks for 1 Shot to be tough enough to be pressure washed. Tell him to keep it waxed and avoid caustic washing agents. It should hold up well. You may want to double coat weak colors such as maroon and bright red. Good luck!
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
Geesh Bill, you spend a lot of unneeded time trying to prep the vehicle.
The automotive type solvents do leave residues (on this we agree) but then, so do "bounty paper towels" and some (most) detergents.
Why don't you try Rapid Prep with a cheap paper towel (cheap ones don't have chemicals that transfer to substrate), paper towels advertised as "lint free/ static free, super absorbant, etc." all have been saturated with chemicals that will leave residues, yes, we all know that paper needs enhancement to be all of those things. Rapid Prep goes in, pulls out wax,oil, silicone, etc. but its "non haz./ non flammable".
Try Rapid Prep (and the other products) for FREE; e-mail your street address to; mail@rapidtac.com
They will save you time and insure confidence.
Roger
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
I have tried Rapid Prep, Roger, and found it didn't have the speed removing contaminants like my system. It probably is fine for the guy going to dealerships and striping cars, but for a semi that travels to my shop from 50 miles away through snow and sleet, it's just too slow.
Your Rapid Remover is actually better at removing the tar that covers the back of sleepers on big rigs. I tried your system and no offense, but I like mine better.
I have tried all you products, Roger. I didn't arrive on the scene yesterday. I stick to what has worked best for me and was trying to help another fellow out.
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
Well so far everyone has made this post far more difficult than it ever has needed to be. A simple scan thru the posts will bring up a couple of posts about vinyl made for this very purpose. Cut the stripes from this vinyl,and trace the flames with it. Almost immediately,pretty much as soon as the app tape lifts....a glue halo will form,and townsfolk will begin circling with torches and appearing by the hundreds of thousands around you as you work. Ignore them and press on. Pull the vinyl up,use it as a stripe guide,pull the stripe ,upsell the halo as a drop shadow...easy $$$$$
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
Didn't intend to ruffle yer feathers Bill, nor question your abilities,just your 4 level cleaning procedures.
SORRY Roger
Posted by Jeff Spradling (Member # 1615) on :
The bad thing about beating a horse to death...there's always a horses a$$ left over.
Jeff
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Yeah I'm sorry for trying to help, seems like when I do, I go before the firing squad. What's with that?
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Ah, paper towels again! I'd like to see a scientifically conducted comparitive test - detailing the abrassive nature of paper towels versus that of other absorbant products (such as cotton towels, etc.)
Paper towels equals wood fibers and in my mind spells s-c-r-a-t-c-h. Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Don't sweat it Bill. I appreciate your long years of experience. Since this works, it would be a good one to keep in the archives for future usage. Thanks!
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Boy, you guys all need to step back and listen to yourselves! What ever happened to "THE BROTHERHOOD of the brush" or "the Letterhead spirit"? Just because someone doesn't agree with YOUR veiwpoint or presents an alternative method, let's jump all over each other and get snarly?! Sometimes you people act like there is only one way, YOURS and if anyone differs from that they are idiots! Why can't we all just get along!? What's going on here lately.... Let's lighten up! The original post asked for help with pinstriping and what should he do. Gavin, your attempt at sarcasm is a little below the belt, IMHO. And by the way, do you even DO pinstriping? Instead of helping, this has turning into a p*ssing match about who is "right"...??? Which one of you ALWAYS does EVERYTHING perfect! Have you ever TRIED new methods? COULD IT BE, that suggesting "another way" might work? Come on, guys...let's just TRY to be nice! Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
QUOTE: " thanks for the advice everyone, i wasn't completely serious.....i knew i'd get some good responses with that post. thanks for the advice everyone, i wasn't completely serious."
What is everyone getting so upset about???
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
Please excuse my opinions, I'll try to keep them to myself !
Roger
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
Horse's as* is actually an incomplete explanation...you left out know it all,never posted anything worthwhile,insensitive,unfeeling, opinion doesnt matter,and i'll have to refer back to the list i proudly keep for the others....plus i dont use paragraghs. Thank you for your support
Posted by Cam Bortz (Member # 55) on :
Gavin, if in the exceedingly unlikely event that no one has ever suggested that you find a nice private place and perform an unnatural sexual act upon your own person, please permit me to offer the first invitation. Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Roger
Nobody asked you to do that either. Your input over the years is a good thing too. Man, is it a full moon??
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
The more sign-people giving opinions the more I learn and if the horses ass has a legit one he's welcome also. Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
quote:Gavin, if in the exceedingly unlikely event that no one has ever suggested that you find a nice private place and perform an unnatural sexual act upon your own person, please permit me to offer the first invitation.
Oh gee what a tempting offer Shouldn't you be out charging $7700 for a 18x24 instead of worrying about what I said here? You could try that nice private place yourself,but I fear your own head would be too large to fit through the door. Have a nice day
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
quote:if in the exceedingly unlikely event that no one has ever suggested that you find a nice private place and perform an unnatural sexual act upon your own person, please permit me to offer the first invitation
WOW,,,, Cam,, how do you know about such places???? Your one of many experiences ? Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
Come on people! What's with the personal attacks?
I don't know that much about pinstriping, but I do know some people that do. PinHeads seldom agree on everything, but there are several years experience here at this website.
Couple ideas. Invest in some books and a magazine subscription. AutoArt Magazine just keeps getting better and better. Pinstriping Masters is an excellant book to have in your library. It's available with all sorts of other goodies at Bob's website.
Another must have book is John Hannukaine's Pinstriping and Vehicle Graphics. You'll find it here on the SignCraft website. If you don't already subscribe, you better get a subscription to SignCraft too.
Good luck Matt! Lots of great Pinheads are self taught. Today you have the option of attending live meets and forming lifelong friendships with people that will help and encourage you.
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Have nothing to add towards original post,all's been well said already. But !!! I do have issue with the use of term "pinhead". Steve, I know you don't think I'm a mindless idiot,(Webster's description, not mine),and that alot of ppl. use term as it's cute and mimics letterhead tag, which makes sense. But, I find it offensive and pragmatic to say the least. I refrain from it's use with same vigor I exhibit, when refraining from taking Lord's name in vain. It's a term I don't like or use, unless of course, I'm talking about or to, a mindless idiot!!!
Just a heads-up on this subject and I apoligize for hi-jacking this thread w/my personal opinions on use of this term.
As far as Matt is concerned, it seems, he's quite happy to be a merry member of our little band. Rock on !!!
Posted by Alan Johnson (Member # 2513) on :
Hey Man," JUST GET THE BRUSH" and stripe it if you think you can . if it looks like crap , rub it off and call Magoo, Don't give in to that old fear BS, just do it ,it's just paint."maintain" AJ
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The original post asked for help with pinstriping and what should he do. Gavin, your attempt at sarcasm is a little below the belt, IMHO. And by the way, do you even DO pinstriping? ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
Gavin, if in the exceedingly unlikely event that no one has ever suggested that you find a nice private place and perform an unnatural sexual act upon your own person, please permit me to offer the first invitation. ![[Bash]](graemlins/bash.gif)