Finished another tank today

Animlchin2,
Yes I use 1-Shot sign painters enamel thinned a bit to pull longer lines (that stuff is way too thick straight out of the can) I have a collection of brushes that I use and have experimented with several brands to find out what works the best. So far, the Mack short handled brushes (000 and 0000 sizes) seem to work the best for longer lines. However, I found that a #1-#4 fineliner works better for me when doing tighter curves and circles. The secret is thinning the paint to the right consistancy so it flows off the brush evenly. You need to "pallet" your brush (wiping it back and forth on hard surface) to get the brush loaded and shape the bristles each time you pull a line. If your lines turn out uneven or don't have sharp edges, your paint is too thin.
The patterns and designs will come to you in time, but it's important to get the brush techniques mastered first or then expand your design ideas.
It's like anything else, some have it, and some don't. I guess I have it!!!
You can get some design ideas here on the net if you do a google searc for "pinstriping designs" and that should give you enough ideas to get you going. PM me if you need any pointers!

Yamahamama,
Yes, I would be more than happy to do your parts (pinstripe your bike parts!!) if you are able to bring them to St.Cloud some time in the future. Or we could set up a meeting place so you don't have to drive so far.
If your thinking about it, just PM me with all the information and we can go from there. PD

 

Thats awesome stuff. You definately have to have a steady hand for that. I like it when the striping isn't always exactly uniform side to side and on center designs, it shows that its hand painted, and one-off.

 

Yup, and it is almost always NOT the same on both sides. I always tried to get it perfect, but it seems there are always a little difference from one side to another.
I am going to re-paint my Maxim tank today and do another "design" on it tomorrow. I am getting sick of the flames I have on it now and need a change. I'll post a photo or two when I get'r done! PD

 

How about pin-striping an S10?
8)

 

Yeah I'd like to see what you do with it. I'm going with flat black, then tribal over top of it on the tank and rear cowl in hot rod green, then a matte clear coat. In my head it looks great, but once it's done I may not like it

 

I liked that one so much....
I decided to re-do my tank and fender on the bobber. I'm getting to used to the tribal flame job on it anywho (Hey, it's a year old!) so I sanded, primed and shot the first coat of black on it this morning.
I'll wait for it to set, wet sand and throw another coat on this afternoon.
Now I don't have a clue what I'm going to do for this one as far as striping it, but it's going to be red for one of the colors for sure (to go with all the red on the other parts) but I'd like to add some other colors like orange? or lime green (just for highlites) Who the hell knows? I cross that bridge when I get the brush in my hand.

I will not go as far as I did on this one I did on my old Seca tank! (looks like some kind of indian headress or something)



This was the tail section on the old Seca:

 

Rad tanks man. Would you do tanks if they were shipped to you?

 

Yes, that can be arranged I guess. I would need to keep them for a couple days before shipping them so the paint sets good first. It would cost you to ship them (both ways) plus the cost of the painting ($50-$100 ballpark) depending on the colors and how elaborate you want me to go. Also it would be more if you need the side covers, fenders, etc. done too.
I just do the pinstriping, not a full paint job (only re-paint my own stuff right now) I am still in the learning process with painting with a gun, so I don't do that kind of work for anyone. I have been striping/lettering for about 30 years now, so that part I am good at. PD

 

Thanks. I've got a good local paint shop, but no one who can stripe. When I get all my sheet metal done I'll give you a hollar. Thanks again, and great work man!