Flames

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 09, 2003 2:12 pm

I have a genreal question. I like to watch American Chopper and am curious about the flame jobs they do. It loks like they put down a base coat. Then they tape it up with some kind of masking tape to make the flame pattern. Then they go and paint over the whole thing. Here's my question. When they peel off the tape it seems to come off easily and smoothly. How is this? Why doesn't it sometimes tear at the edges instead of creating a nice pretty straight line? Do they cut it first?

Kubel Nick · Post by **Kubel Nick** » Tue Sep 09, 2003 2:35 pm

Some masking products are better then others. Notice they don't use Wal-Mart brand masking tape. But they do peel off sometimes still. I've seen it do that a few times on various shows. It's also how it's painted, I guess thinner paints won't peel off as much as thicker paints, and on flame jobs you don't need thick layers.

vw carnut · Post by **vw carnut** » Tue Sep 09, 2003 5:22 pm

There is a special type of tape to use that most good automotive
paint stores sell for this kind of work.Of course you may still get
lifting at the very edge,but that is when you call in the pinstriper to pinstripe those flames

If I can find out the name of the tape,
I will post it for all to see. It is made by 3m I am pretty sure,but since I am not a painter....

JC-ATL · Post by **JC-ATL** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 6:48 am

All they're using is 3M 1/8" auto painters masking tape. If you use a quality tape, it works well.

You might want to do a quick search on flames, there was a recent thread about them that had a great link on how they are done.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 8:02 pm

I use the 3M 1/8" BLUE fineline tape. It works great unless you stretch it or do a really tight curve. You needn't hog on the paint for flames so the edges should be fairly smooth but they can get a little ragged at times no matter how careful you are. If you use an exacto knife and CAREFULLY (use a VERY light touch so not to cut into the clear) run it along the edge of the tape before you peel it off you should be left with a nice line. Assuming that you are going to stripe the outside edge of the flames, a little bit of tearing doesn't really matter as it will be covered.

FlamingEyeball · Post by **FlamingEyeball** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 7:42 am

Ooops! That last "Guest" reply was me, I guess I forgot to log in.