The DBC 500 Color Blender mentioned above is essentially an un-tinted base coat that serves as a lock down (or intercoat clear) for a vehicle’s color coat, especially those color coats loaded up with metalflakes or pearls. One great advantage to using DBC 500 in a paint job that will see additional graphic work is that the DBC 500 will provide a protective layer between the original color coat and additional top coats, essentially negating the possibility of lifting or crinkling. In the case of airbrush graphics, various manufacturers’ products may be used to get the desired end result. In most instances, these products would be considered non-compatible, but a layer of intercoat clear will allow these products to be separated from each other as they are applied in the process. For example, the airbrush artwork you will see in this article is a combination of both solvent based paints from House of Kolor and water based paints from Createx Wicked over a solvent based color coat from PPG. There is one very important aspect to remember when using an intercoat clear. If additional coats are applied within the manufacturer’s window of workability, it would be considered a chemical bond. However, if the window of workability for a chemical bond is over-extended, the intercoat clear must be scuffed with a 3M Scotch-Brite pad or 3M Super Fine sanding sponge. This now creates a mechanical bond for the next layer of paint. |
The next step was to outline and define the Pinup Girl, very similar to how the star was defined. You will notice however that the Pinup Girl has already started to take on shadows and highlights well before the skin tones are applied. These initial shadows and highlights give Chris a reference to follow as these skin tones are layered upon each other. |
As Chris works through the details of the Pinup Girl, he continually defines and adds color to the black background and white star. During this stage of blending and adding multiple colors, it is sometimes necessary to use a uniquely shaped template to define hard edges without over-spraying other areas of the artwork. In those instances where a line template is not used, the technique is simply that of a steady hand and experience. Those little “shots” of paint on the masking paper help Chris determine whether or not he likes that choice of color where he is working before it is applied, as well as helping to clear the tip of the airbrush. You can see how many different colors have gone into the Pinup Girl already |
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As Chris works through the details of the Pinup Girl, he continually defines and adds color to the black background and white star. During this stage of blending and adding multiple colors, it is sometimes necessary to use a uniquely shaped template to define hard edges without over-spraying other areas of the artwork. In those instances where a line template is not used, the technique is simply that of a steady hand and experience. Those little “shots” of paint on the masking paper help Chris determine whether or not he likes that choice of color where he is working before it is applied, as well as helping to clear the tip of the airbrush. You can see how many different colors have gone into the Pinup Girl already. |
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Once Chris has finished the artwork (this project took three days to complete) the RETRO POWER crew carefully places the doors in the facilities modified cross flow paint booth and thoroughly cleans each with degreaser, lightly draws a tack rag to pick up any remaining dust or lint particles and applies five coats of PPG DCU 2002 clearcoat. The clearcoat is allowed to rest for about 6 weeks before it is color sanded with 1000-grit, followed by 1,500 grit and then 2,500 grit 3M Imperial sand paper. After color sanding, the doors are buffed by hand with a 3M rubbing compound and a 3M hand glaze (this same process is used on the entire vehicle). You can now run your hand across the surface of the door and all of those color coats in the airbrushed graphics are buried beneath the clear and just as smooth as glass with a mile deep reflection. The final touch is an Antique Gold pinstripe around the original black circle that encases the artwork. |
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You may have noticed that the Pinup Girls (one on each front door) are not exactly alike. This is one of the unique qualities of custom airbrush artwork. No two people in this world are exactly alike and we didn’t want the Pinup Girls to mirror each other either. They have become known around the shop as “The Twins”. |
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Just as with the doors, once the rivets were airbrushed into place, the body was rolled into the paint booth, completely degreased, tack ragged and final clearcoat applied. The clearcoat was then wet sanded and hand polished |
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This close-up photo of the rivets after clearcoat shows how the three-dimensional effect tricks the eyes and mind into thinking these rivets are actually real. The shading was intentionally applied to these rivets in such as way as to properly reflect from the contours of the body panel. . It really is amazing how much depth the clearcoat provides for the graphic work. |
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The end result speaks for itself. |
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