How to hold a Pinstriping Brush ------ for fun and profit

[Unkl Ian]

http://www.flyingeyeballs.net/uploads/How_To_Hold_A_Brush.pdf

[delaware george]

as always Ian,infomative.....you are a ruler http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Skate Fink]

......damn Ian........you need to get together with Ray and the two of you put out THE "How-To-Pinstripe" book! There is a market for it..........Thanks........

[Action Girl]

Awesome! Can't wait for the curves lesson!

Stacey

[Unkl Ian]

SShhhh ! It's a secret. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

To make a Striping Brush turn is the one thing that beginners will struggle with.

I start by holding the brush just a fraction higher on the handle,
so my fingers do not contact the flat above the ferrule.
That way it is easier to roll the brush between my fingers.

I've drawn a circle around an 8 oz 1-Shot can,and will follow that line.
Also switched to a Mack Series 20,that I have trimmed so it will turn tighter.
Notice the dramatic difference in the angle of the handle,
and the amount of brush in contact with the panel.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/image_uploads/465673-DSCF0047.JPG

Notice how I've twisted the handle about 90 degrees,
while I've only done about 45 degrees of the circle.
Also notice the handle is leaning to the outside of the circle.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/image_uploads/465676-DSCF0049.JPG

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/image_uploads/465678-DSCF0050.JPG

We are now approaching 180 degrees,and my fingers would be close to getting in the paint.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/image_uploads/465680-DSCF0051.JPG

If I was doing this without tryong to take pictures with one hand,I would use the "overhand" method.
I'd make a fist with my left hand,and place that under my right wrist.Now my fingers don't have to touch the panel,and I can do a complete circle of this size.

[Missing Link]

This is very informative stuff, Unk. Thanks.

[C9]

All about the basics isn't it?

Nice tech article.

I think too you've done more for the beginning stripers as well as us useta wuz guys than you realize.
Seems this is one aspect of striping that doesn't get covered in some DIYs. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[thrasherbill]

[ QUOTE ]


I think too you've done more for the beginning stripers as well as us useta wuz guys than you realize.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Thanks Unk, from one of the beginners! That is exactly what I needed to see.

Bill

[kustomolds]

Thanks for the tips Unk! I have been struggling with hand placement and grip for a while, going out to try it out in a few minutes....
Here is a picture of some of my beginning work...(not as good as some, but atleast it is a start..)

[Flexicoker]

Awesome tips, one question for you...

If I were to go buy ONE brush and ONE little thing of paint to see it I could actually do with with some practice, what should I get?

[safariknut]

Great tech article Ian!Ain't it fun striping with one hand and trying to take a picture with the other? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Unkl Ian]

[ QUOTE ]
If I were to go buy ONE brush,,,

[/ QUOTE ]

My first choice,get a Mack Series 10.
They come in different sizes,I would recomend a 000,which is the smallest.

Available from < www.mackbrush.com (http://www.mackbrush.com) > or< www.pinstriper.com (http://www.pinstriper.com) >
http://www.pinstriper.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/10.gif

$10.50 plus shipping from pinstriper.com,I'm sure Mack is around the same.

Paint ? 1-Shot Lettering Enamel.Second choice,Chromatic Lettering Enamel
Not Testors or Rustoleum.
If your very lucky,your local art supply place carries 1-Shot in 4 oz cans.
Otherwise you'll have to spring for an 8 oz can.
Price varies acording to color,Reds and Golds are more money.
Don't buy White,or Silver,to start with.
White dries faster thaa the other colors,Silver is watery crap.
Process Blue is good,or whatever you can get.

You will also need some Mineral Spirits from Home Depot,$5.
And steal a roll of paper towels from your wife. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Unkl Ian]

[ QUOTE ]
Ain't it fun striping with one hand and trying to take a picture with the other?

[/ QUOTE ]

I've got a cool little German made C-clamp that my camera fits on, http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I just clamp it onto something stationary and away I go.

Now I need to figure out the fancy timer on the camera. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Flexicoker]

[ QUOTE ]
And steal a roll of paper towels from your wife.


[/ QUOTE ]

or Mom http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks man, I will definatly do that

[Skate Fink]

..........bttt 'cause it's important!

[Unkl Ian]

[ QUOTE ]
..........bttt 'cause it's important!

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm going to owe you more cookies now. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Skate Fink]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
..........bttt 'cause it's important!

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm going to owe you more cookies now. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

.........nope.............a lot of us owe YOU Unk! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Carps]

[ QUOTE ]
......damn Ian........you need to get together with Ray and the two of you put out THE "How-To-Pinstripe" book! There is a market for it

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll second that, also buy the book.

The best title I could find is Pinstriping Masters, but it really didn't tell me how to stripe, just showcases the work of a bunch of different stripers, signwriters, airbrush &amp; custom painters.

And Unk, if you are wrong, It would explain why my work isn't that good. but then that doesn't explain why everybody else who holds the brush the way you descibe, is so much better than me. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

And what's this profit deal? hell, I'm just doing it for fun. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Carps]

[ QUOTE ]
To make a Striping Brush turn is the one thing that beginners will struggle with.

[/ QUOTE ]
Yup.

[ QUOTE ]
I start by holding the brush just a fraction higher on the handle,so my fingers do not contact the flat above the ferrule. That way it is easier to roll the brush between my fingers.

[/ QUOTE ]
Yup, doin that too, but still I'm struggling.

If I may be so bold, I think the one thing you've missed so far is..... Practice, seems the more I do that, the more better my work looks.

[ QUOTE ]
We are now approaching 180 degrees,and my fingers would be close to getting in the paint.

[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, so why should you be different to the rest of us? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


[ QUOTE ]
I'd make a fist with my left hand,and place that under my right wrist.Now my fingers don't have to touch the panel,and I can do a complete circle of this size.

[/ QUOTE ]
I discovered early that there's got to be some kind of 'black art' even in this method, since even tho I know using my left hand as a steady or support, sometimes it still forgets what it's doing and lets my brush hand paint in the rong place. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Hey Ian, you too Safari and the other expert 'pinheads' here, please keep this thread going, there's so much to learn and so little time.

[Carps]

[ QUOTE ]
Here is a picture of some of my beginning work...(not as good as some, but atleast it is a start..)

[/ QUOTE ]
Looks pretty damn good to me.

One thing I've learned is not to be too critical of your own work as the viewer will generally be looking at it from a complete different perspective to your own.

For example, I'm still being hard on myself because I can'tt produce perfect symetry. However, to make me feel better I just look closely at some of the pro's work in the Pinstriping Masters book to help me understand that this is done by hand art and even the best of the best, don't pull the perfect line or produce perfect symetry.

The only thing I can be sure of is if you keep practising and you'll amaze your self and others with how good you really are.

[Carps]

[ QUOTE ]
If I were to go buy ONE brush and ONE little thing of paint to see it I could actually do with with some practice, what should I get?

[/ QUOTE ]
I'd go with Unkle's advice but don't worry if you have to get a different brush because of what's available locally, after just a little practice you'll be hooked and chasing more brushes and more different paint colours.

Something else I've learned that maybe Unk or Safari can confirm. Each brush is different, even when they are the same make and model. I have a series 20 size 00 that I just love to use for long curves and straight lines yet my other same brush feels better for the tighter curves as Unk just demonstrated.

And for the really fine lines, I prefer the more expensive brush I picked up but can't remember it's name. Has a more expensive looking handle and small brass ferule holding the hairs instead of the rope thingy like the series 10 and 20 brushes. The brush portion looks a lot different too, but it handles really nice and pulls a really straight line too.

[delaware george]

stop giving away all of the trade secrets http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif........i wish this stuff was around when i first started,it would have knocked years off of my learning....hell,i'm still learning

[Skate Fink]

[ QUOTE ]
stop giving away all of the trade secrets http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif........i wish this stuff was around when i first started,it would have knocked years off of my learning....hell,i'm still learning

[/ QUOTE ]

.......hey! Ian's looking out for old farts like me that don't have that much time left............ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[purplepickup]

Thanks for these brush tech threads Ian. This one definitely gets saved as a favorite.

I'm less than a beginner because I didn't know where to begin. Now you got me geeked. I think this wannabe is going to buy a couple brushes and some 1-Shot. There's so many flat spots around here that need striping..... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Unkl Ian]

You'r probably not too far from the Mack Brush World Headquarters http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
You could save on shipping.
Safariknut is probably close enough to know where to get 1-Shot.
If your going to be in Detroit,I know Dick Blick carried 1-Shot in the 4 oz cans,great for traveling.

There will be a Pinhead Panel Jam coming up in scenic Canton Mich the first part of January,
and we should be back at Autorama with the charity auction and panel jam.

[Unkl Ian]

[ QUOTE ]
... but don't worry if you have to get a different brush because of what's available locally...

[/ QUOTE ]

If you got a Mack Series 20,you'll probably manage.
They like to be a little wetter,to work properly.

If you found a Grumbacher,or similar,they are great for straight lines,but don't want to turn.

[Psychobilly Boi]

Hey!

Great post!!!

Can Ryan or someone please put this is the tech-o-matic!!!

Danny

[Peter Pan of Chicago]

Unkl, Great post! This will definately help further the future of "da Art".

Today is the best of times to learn the craft and this board is leading the way. I can't believe in 1972 when I picked up my first Mack double naught zero, there was no one to ask for help, just desire and passion.

I'm very happy that's not the case today. Bravo!

Joel http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[safariknut]

[ QUOTE ]
You'r probably not too far from the Mack Brush World Headquarters http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
You could save on shipping.
Safariknut is probably close enough to know where to get 1-Shot.


[/ QUOTE ]
Painters Supply and Equipment Co carries 1-Shot(or can get it from one of their other stores).They have stores all over Canada,Michigan,and Ohio.Go to www.painterssuply.com (http://www.painterssuply.com) and click on their store locator.There is one in Benton Harbor if that is close to you.
Ray

[purplepickup]

[ QUOTE ]
You'r probably not too far from the Mack Brush World Headquarters http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Yup, in fact yesterday I rode my scoot right past it. I didn't know it was there til today tho.

There's a real good art supply store in Kalamazoo that has 1-shot and Mack brushes. I'm going to pay them a visit this week.....like I need one more thing to be obsessed with http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[Roothawg]

Put this Mutha in the tech-o-matic....any other stripers wanna give out your trade secrets? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Unkl Ian]

Here is the "hand over hand" method.
The left hand rests on a dry part of the panel,the right hand can move forwards and back over the design.

[Unkl Ian]

This method is used by John Hannukaine.
The left hand supports and steadys the right hand,only the 2 baby fingers touch the panel.
I find this awkward,but sometimes it is the best way.

[Unkl Ian]

And finally,an old sign painters trick.
The Mahl stick.

Mine is a homebuilt POS cobbled together from stuff I got at Home Depot for $5
It's long enough to just fit in my box,but doesn't take up much space.
You can buy real nice ones,in aluminum or even Carbon Fiber,if you look around.

Wrapping the ends in leather is a good idea,so you don't mark the panels.

[Unkl Ian]

One end of the Mahl stick touches the surface,the other end is supported by the left hand.
Right hand rest on the Mahl stick.
This allows you to work directly above a completely wet design,
without worrying about your fingers getting in the paint.
I save this for when I've painted myself into a corner.

[SlowLearner]

Wow Unk!! Thanks for this! Now I see that it's ART, a black art maybe, not MAGIC that you guys practise.

(Still I wonder if there's some doin's at the crossroads at midnight to improve technique. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Please keep on posting this. A keeper for sure. -Keith

[Jester]

I've purchased with good American dollars books on pin striping that were no where as informative as this post. In facted most of the literature I have only show cases the a small amount of the artist work and gives vague "how to's".

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.....

[burndup]

maybe one thing to add... how to trim a new brush?

[Jester]

Do you trim? I don't trim. Should I be trimming?

[burndup]

uhh... I thought you had to... ???

[HOTRODPRIMER]

The old time sign painters around my neck of the woods use

a shotgun cleaning rod works good as a mahl stick!


They usually screw together in pieces and you can use a rubber tip on the end. HRP

[38Chevy454]

Thanks Unkl Ian, good to see some how-to tech on here. My grandfather was sign painter that did a lot of lettering and gold leaf. I remember he used the mahl stick a lot, but I was little about 7-8 years old. Wish he was still aorund and could give me some tips on the lettering and sign painting. I may just have to buy a brush or two and some 1-shot and give this a try, looks like fun and what better way to frustrate myself for hours on end??? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[alteredpilot]

please unklian...tell us again the one about the old man who trims his brush....

[Carps]

Pleeeeeeeeze!

[Hot Rod Ron]

How do you load the brush and get the paint started. Great post and it gave me some info that I have needed.

[continentaljohn]

Thanks for the great post BTTT

[IntrstlarOvrdrve]

Awesome, thanks man...this helps

[hell_fish_65]

When most stripe, is it free hand? Is there something you use to mark the panel first?

[surf monkey]

i was wondering the same as hellfish....in the post that contained those fantastic large paintings , the guy was seen striping a piece that seemed to be already `chalked` in...is this personal preference?
monkey
www.monkey-inc.co.uk (http://www.monkey-inc.co.uk)

[rjb]

Most times there is at least a center line drawn with water soluble grease pencil (stabillo pencil, in my case). One more thing that is CRITICAL to striping... taking care of the brush once you've finished painting. Dip the brush (once it has been cleaned out with mineral spirits) in tranny fluid, it acts as an oil to keep the hairs from drying and cracking. You can buy expensive brush oils, but tranny fluid is cheap and most of us got some layin around already. Or dish soap, I've heard that it is not too bad either.;

Ian, I'd like to see your take on trimming. And any other artists as well, the more info the better.
Maybe some of our letterers would like to chime in with tips?

RJB

[Roothawg]

This really needs to be in the Tech-o-Matic.....

[Jester]

I had a bad experience with tranny fluid I use 10-30 motor(not the sythetic though) oil or canola oil.....what would kats and kittens think about using diddo paper to tranfer designs.....I alway free hand but have wondered how well it would work.

[Unkl Ian]

Stabillo make the Magic Layout pencils we use,they also make a bunch of other pencils.
Just look for the magic word "Aquarellable".
I don't know what language that is,but it means "this Shit washes off with water".
Get a White one,and a Blue one.That's it,all the other colors suck.
Any decent art supply,or any sign supply place will have them
A little over a buck each.

1-Shot Brush Cleaner and Conditioner is great stuff,lately I've been cleaning my brushes in Mineral Spirits,then work them back and forth in 1-Shot Cleaner,and that's it.
Neets Foot Oil works great,and a $5 bottle will last years.
Oil is used to stop the minute traces of paint still left in the brush from drying.If you want to get real involved,and clean the brushes perfectly,they can be stored dry,but it's just extra work.


To transfer designs,we use Sarel Transfer paper.
It's like the old Carbon Paper,but come in White and dark Gray.

As for trimming,yes,I trim all my brushes,some radically.But I do not recommend it to beginners until they develop some control and understand how a brush works,Or they are prepared to ruin $100 worth of brushes trying to learn the hard way.
I will have to get some new brushes,before I can do a brush trimming How To.

[stoggie]

I just found a new addiction!! Very cool tech. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif 'cause I needed one more. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Broman]

Being a beginner in anything sucks and this has got to be the worst. My biggest issue is symmetry. I have been trying to freehand and freestyle as well. I suck.

I can draw just about anything I want to and I am wicked with a lot of different medias in the "art" world, but pinstriping is an art inside an art. It's like knowing what you want but not having control of the tool in your hand to do it and watching it do whatever it wants to even though you don't like it. AArrgggg.

Should I be using one common design and just doing it over and over again? I am guessing I should be drawing my designs out first, but even drawing them with a stabillo is tough to do with any symmetry - and when you screw up you have all of these guide lines that you don't want to erase. I guess that just means your screwed and you should start all over right? Well I suppose it's better than having the flaws done in paint...

[Unkl Ian]

Some guys who have been doing it forever will just use a centerline,and eyeball the rest.
For the rest of us humans,start out with a grid of 1" squares.

I draw every line,both sides,using French curves.Then just paint over the lines.Yes it takes forever.
But as your skill develops,you don't need these guides as much.
You can do the left side freehand,and then quickly sketch in the right side,and paint that.

90+% of Pinstriping is just practice.

[KCsledz]

I wouldn't say you need to do a design over and over and over again but you might practice your strokes.

Do a series of straight lines vertically then do a series of straight lines horizontally. Keeping everything as even and consistent as you can.

Next do a series of lines with a curve to the right. Repeat the same to the left. Continue until you get the brush roll down and the line weight consistent or pretty close.

Now combine the curves and do s and reverse s shapes.

At this point you start to understand the movement.

If I am trying something new I like to lay out a grid with a stibillo pencil or a colored verithin pencil. The grid helps you to find your beginning and end points easier. If you have drawn a cool pattern dont be afraid to stripe on glass or plexi with the drawing underneath.

Right now my problem is pulling long lines so I try to find something that will peovide a good guide. I have gone through alot of masking tape recently trying to build a good thick guide edge to run my pinki and ringfinger along to help out with the straightness of my line but havn't got it to the point that I would do it on a vehicle yet. I have watched guys run lines around a car in about 90 seconds for a single line. Just amazing!

Anyway thats mostly my process as I have become better.

Cody

[safariknut]

Stabilo pencils are the best thing I've found for doing layout work,but sometimes they seem a little hard to remove after the work is done.This is especially true on white or light colored surfaces.Washing them with mineral spirits usually won't work,but I've found a little trick that works nicely:After making sure the surface is dry,moisten a rag or paper towel with a little water and apply a small drop of machine polishing compound to the rag,work into the rag,and then LIGHTLY rub it across the marks and they will come off almost immediately.
Another trick I just learned last week from Letterfly(who learned it from Peter Gunn who learned it from....)is when you have a line run farther than you wanted it to and it's in the middle of a design.Take a pencil eraser(I like the big square kind)and carefully remove the portion of the line that needs removal.You can get right next to the line you went across and not disturb it.Then just wipe the eraser off on your jeans or whatever.If for some reason you do disturb the line,it's easy to touch up.
For final cleanup on brushes,I like to use an old toothbrush.Soak the brush in brush cleaner and lay it on a hard flat surface(I use my brush box or palette).Brush GENTLY from the heel of the brush to the tip and flip it over and do the other side a few strokes.Dip in cleaner again and taking a rag or paper towel,squeeze the brush gently from heel to tip slowly outward.DON'T squeeze the brush and pull it at the same time;this is what causes hairs to pull out.After cleaning,soak in brush oil and either lay flat(if it not subject to movement as if the tip is pushed against something,it will deform)or put in a special brush box.I use a brush box which has two coiled springs across the box to slip in the brush handles.It works well with stripers too,but they are best placed in so the wrapping is in the spring area.In the shop,I store brushes vertically in a special holder with the hair up.This allows the oil to wick down into the ferrule.This is very important with metal ferruled brushes as paint accumulates very readily in them.
Another thing regarding cleaning:I would stay away from using "Hotter"solvents such as lacquer thinner for cleaning brushes.It may do a better job initially but it also removes a lot of the natural oils in non-synthetic brushes and shortens their useful life considerably.
Just my twopence.
Ray

[HotRodHon]

This is an excellent thread. Can you guys enlighten me on the best way to thin paint and keep the brush flowing smoothly. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I've notice some guys dip the brush in thinner before reloading it with paint?

[SinisterCustom]

Awesome post!! I also could use some help with loading the brush. Some colors seem to like more thinner than others. I've been stripin' for about 2 months. Tried it a few years ago and just got frustrated. Well going thru my stuff one day and found my brushes and 1-Shot and with some old magazines started practicing. Now I'm hooked!

Thanks for the help UNKL IAN http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[safariknut]

[ QUOTE ]
This is an excellent thread. Can you guys enlighten me on the best way to thin paint and keep the brush flowing smoothly. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I've notice some guys dip the brush in thinner before reloading it with paint?



[/ QUOTE ]
Craig:This topic has been covered a couple of times here,but briefly:
There are a number of factors to consider in keeping paint flowing smoothly.First is the environment.You should be painting in an area that is in the shade and preferably with no breeze.Both of these factors contribute greatly to accelerating dry time(usually on the brush while you're pulling a line!).
Depending on whether you are doing designs or long straight lines is also a factor;you want the paint much thinner for long lines and less so for design woirk.
To begin,dip the brush in the paint about 3/4 of the hair length and palette back and forth using both sides of the brush.Dip brush in thinner and work into the paint using the same technique of first paletting one side of the brush and then the other.Repeat this process until you can feel the brush pulling smoothly through the paint with virtually no drag.At this point lift the brush and look at the profile of the hairs from the top.If the paint is close to properly thinned,they should come to a sharp point.If it is too thin,the very tip of the brush will,"balloon"out.The remedy is to add more paint and palette some more.If the paint is too thick,it will,"drag" across the palette.The remedy is to add a bit more thinner.
After a LOT of practice,you can do this strictly by "feel".
If you search the threads here,you will find a wealth of info on striping.Also(insert shameless commercial plug here)go to http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/groups/pinstriperspage .There is even more info there.

[Kev Nemo]

Two parter here:

1)I started out with a Dagger 3-cost me over $30-is that too much? I must say I do like the variety of line I can pull off it (even with mettalics http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif)
2)Technique- I notice that most pinners use a roccoco/decorative style ala' tribal tattoos. I've been experimenting more with representational pix. I had an idea to do "3-D"(red/blue/silver) pins with that 'seeing double aspect'-What ya'll think? Robt. Williams (a hero of mine) has done a few paintings like this and it's mas bitchin'
anybody have any representational pin designs?

[Unkl Ian]

[ QUOTE ]
1)I started out with a Dagger 3-cost me over $30-is that too much?

[/ QUOTE ]

Around $10 each ?
Sounds fair.That's about what I pay for a Mack Series 10.
And if you take care of them,you can do several thousand dollars of work with each one before it dies.

[Kev Nemo]

OUCH! $30 for one brush!!!
DAMN IT that's like 4 12 packs of Pabst!!
Damn you Asel Art Supply! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[Unkl Ian]

Is it solid GOLD ? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

< www.Mackbrush.com (http://www.Mackbrush.com) >or < www.pinstriper.com (http://www.pinstriper.com) >

[Kev Nemo]

Weellll, in my hands... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Chris Wiehle]

Thanks unkl ian and everyone else who has contributed. Just waitin' for my brush and some time so I can see what I can make ugly. You all have made it a lot easier- uhh I think?
Chris

[chromedRAT]

man, i am so glad to see this post come back. a HUGE help. i'm gonna go to an old timer's house around here tomorrow to learn a few more things too. the HAMB is all knowing, ya know? place RULES.

[willowbilly3]

I have a couple more questions.
1. How do you clean the brush between colors?
2. Can you paint over the stabillo pencil marks? I presume not but I was unclear on that. If not then you lay down the strip next to it? Can't cross over the marks?

Thanks, great stuff. You have me fired up to run out and buy some stuff to give this a whirl.

[Skate Fink]

........I'm no expert, just the first one up this morning...

[ QUOTE ]
I have a couple more questions.
1. How do you clean the brush between colors?

[/ QUOTE ]

....use your mineral spirits and gently squeeze with a clean cloth. May want to repeat a couple times for drastic color changes?? I use one cup to clean and another with cleaner juice to "rinse" but I waste a lot...

[ QUOTE ]
2. Can you paint over the stabillo pencil marks? I presume not but I was unclear on that. If not then you lay down the strip next to it? Can't cross over the marks?

[/ QUOTE ]

..no problem painting right over the Stabillo pencil. When the paint dries, wipe off the remaining pencil marks......

When the experts wake up, they can correct any mistakes I've made. They can also offer advice on how to do it faster, cheaper and more efficiently. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[v8minor]

Hi Unkl Ian great post , I got a real buzz tryin it out at the broken dream cruise, thanks for the tips ...

[Chris Wiehle]

Got my brush today, the only thing I am confused on is the oil thing. I've seen vegetable, and motor oil, tranny fluid and diah soap. Doesn't this stuff mess with the paint characteristics? Do you have to make sure you get it all out before you start?
Thanks
Chris

[Unkl Ian]

[ QUOTE ]
the only thing I am confused on is the oil thing

[/ QUOTE ]

Oil is used to maintain the correct shape of the brush,but more importantly,
it stops any minute traces of paint from drying in the brush when it's not being used.

Some guys get REALLY anal about cleaning their brushes so they can store them dry.

I'm too lazy for that Shit, http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif so I will rinse it in Odourless Mineral Spirits,
then 1-Shot Brush Cleaner and Conditioner,pat dry,and dip in Neets Foot Oil.
Lay it down flat and your done.

Before you use it the next time,you need to rinse it in Mineral Spirits,pat dry,and your ready to go.
Microscopic traces of oil won't cause a problem,unless you are Gold Leafing.

[Chris Wiehle]

Perfect, Thanks!!!!!!

[Paul]

bttt

[general gow]

bttt.

And adding it to my faves http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

[enkkkk]

Perhaps I'm a moron but I can't figure out how to start a new post, so I will change the subject here. I am a signpainter so consequently I am broke all the time. I am finding pinstriping videos (the good ones) can be expensive so I am wondering where I could watch pinstriping on-line. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Unkl Ian]

I have yet to see a decent Pinstriping video,never mind the price.
Some are bad,others are misleading.
And most Pinstriping books are a complete waste.
Anything from Dick Bird SUCKS.

Hannukaine's book is decent,and there is another good one coming.


This doesn't answer your question,but might help.

[Von Franco]

Do they make left handed brushes ????????????

[MIGHTY]

Do they make left handed brushes ????????????

Carefully untie the string and glue the hairs to the other side of the brush. Re-tie the string. Stripe away!

[safariknut]

Do they make left handed brushes ????????????

Mack Brush Company tried this a few years ago but there didn't seem to be a lot of interest in them.I'm left handed and I tried one;didn't seem any different to me.I think they dropped the idea. They also made up a small run(about 50 if I remember right)of the old double striping brushes.I managed to get one of those and tried it a couple of times.Not an easy brush to use;sort of like using a Beugler striping tool and trying to lay it back down on the line after you've picked it up. Shane Syx has one also and even tried using two different colors at once.He would do something like that.

[Gator]

I am wondering where I could watch pinstriping on-line. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

You'd be better off to find a local pinstriper or car show with a panel jam going on and watch guys work. I never pass up the chance to watch another striper working, you'd be surprised what you can pick up. Everybody's got their own way of working a brush.

Right after I started striping again I was lucky enough to have an 'old-timer' (Tommy Sanborn) offer to work with me for a while. He's been at it since '57. I need to get back down there and visit him again soon.

I also spent some time with 'Von Hot Rod' at a W.O.W. show - he's in the 'Master's of pinstriping' book along with our very own Von Franco. He's left handed so it was kind of interesting seeing his technique.

[dana barlow]

Do they make left handed brushes ????????????

I remember buying up all the left handed paint cans years ago too go with them brushes,got to save something for old age,ya know:cool:
"The Bat"
Super info Ian

[Junkyard Jan]

Thanks,Ian..:) I really want to learn to 'stripe. You've given me more real world info that I can use in this post that I've found in all of my HAMB searches

Jan

[BusDriverJ]

I really appreciate this thread. I started to draw pinstripping a couple months ago and havent gone any farther than a sharpie. I usualy practice with a dry erase marker and a pane of glass. Ive been itching to actually strip but kinda scared until now. I know I got a lot more practicing to do but Ill get it eventauly.
Again, thanks a ton for all the info and tips.

[Unkl Ian]

Thanks,Ian..:) I really want to learn to 'stripe. You've given me more real world info that I can use in this post that I've found in all of my HAMB searches

Jan

Check the Inter-Galactic Panel Jam and Pinstriping Events Calander
in our Yahoo Pinstriping group: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/pinstriperspage/ (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/pinstriperspage/?yguid=180096247)
look in the "Database" section.
You'll find Panel Jams coming up SOON in Cincinatti Ohio,
Atlanta Georgia,Pomona California,Detroit Michigan,and many others.Call the phone number included for details.

A chance to learn,LIVE and Hands On,in person,
from experienced professional Stripers.

A much better investment than most books and videos,
and a lot more fun.

[Unkl Ian]

Other location include: Sacramento CA,Kansas City,
St. Paul MN,Louisville KY,Indianapolis IN,Salt Lake City UT,
Oklahoma City OK,Lee's Summit MOi,Davisburg MI,Antioch CA.

Other events will be added as info becomes available.

[Unkl Ian]

For those interested in trimming brushes,and palleting,
check out this video from Alan Johnson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tMdL_FF3ws

His new book is now available from Motorbooks.com
http://www.motorbooks.com/Store/Prod...ails_38589.ncm
I will have my copy soon.

Signed copies are also available on his site http://www.AlanJohnsonGrafix.com

[Skeezix]

I did a class with Herb Martinez last month . http://www.herbmartinez.com/ (http://www.herbmartinez.com/) He has a book and is sponsored by One Shot and knows his stuff and delivers the seminar very well and the walk aways are a signed book a li'l can of white and a brush. Oh and an practice seems to be the secret word. As fro symmetry I discovered that if I do a vertical centerline and go to the right first - away from my beer gut (right handed) - while making an O I can match the other 1/2 . If I start toward the beer gut I am a fucking retard.... I guess its a left brain/right brain thing.

[Unkl Ian]

Stabillo make the Magic Layout pencils we use...
Get a White one,and a Blue one.That's it,all the other colors suck.



Staedtler Omnichrom are nicer to use than Stabilos.
They are less likely to scratch, and stand up better in the heat.
Like Stabilo, they wash off with water.
Priced about the same, slightly harder to find.

[Unkl Ian]

For those interested in trimming brushes,and palleting,
check out this video from Alan Johnson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tMdL_FF3ws

His new book is now available from Motorbooks.com
http://www.motorbooks.com/Store/Prod...ails_38589.ncm
I will have my copy soon.





Between Alan's book and videos,
he covers everything you need to know.

If you are only going to buy one book, this is the one.

[Unkl Ian]

To transfer designs,we use Sarel Transfer paper.
It's like the old Carbon Paper,but come in White and dark Gray.




DON'T buy the Mona Lisa transfer paper from Michael's. It sucks.

[alan johnson]

"just get the brush"

[johnnyjalopy]

thanks man!
johnny

[rafael]

DON'T buy the Mona Lisa transfer paper from Michael's. It sucks.
or their sizing for gold leaf, as soon as i try their gold leaf with the one shot size ill let you know.