Thanks for sharing your knowledge, very helpful. Friggin hilarious story about the customer with the ghost flames too, laughed my ass off. I own a shop and can totally sympathize.
Absolutely love the work of art. The long, lean flames are the best I've seen. This video has inspired me to take on the challenge to paint my sporty, hopefully as nice as your project. I'm going to practice on my side panels until I get it. Thank you for the inspiration.
Dude that is cool shit your gonna be good for my portfolio .been a fabracator /welder for 30 years a n d now I would love to be able to paint some of my own builds.thanks looking forward to watching more vids.
I like that you went into detail about the process, I also liked what you said about dealing with the difficult customer. I've had to deal with a few painting cars whereas they picked out a color and didn't like it on the car. thanks very informative.
Realy nice work.. I did my first job last winter and i tryed to do my ghost flames with same color as the rest of motorcycle, just a few coats more, with magenta candy.
That's the same way I do ghost flames when I go maybe lighter than that depends on what the person's expecting but mainly I like to do in real life so they just reacting the sun are in in street lights things like that and look really good then and I don't I clear coat them enough time that you can't feel the flying with your hand anyway thank you for helping people understand what goes into doing flames and I made a living God Jesus Christ bless your endeavor and this work you're doing
I disagree about the talking James....The tips and tricks given during that talking are as valuable and important to some of us as anything else. Your Time, Tips and tricks are very much appreciated and can save alot of aggravation! Great Video!
Wow! thank you for the kind words. That is awesome to know. I do plan as I learn more about videos. to keep them shorter with less talking. At least make sure all talking is relevant. lol The tips and tricks I have learned from doing this for 25 years and not from any automotive or Art schools. They are just another option and perspective for people to try if other methods are not working for them. My goal is hopefully keep people from making all the expensive mistakes I have made in the past.
The paint is HOK candy basecoat wineberry and the flames are just red pearl mixed in some clear. then I clear coat everything. The more pearl coats you put the brighter and pinker the flames will get. they do make silver pearls and HOK has Ice pearls that are more intense. Recommend pearls to be mixed in an intercoat clear. Otherwise you can use your regular clear as long as the coat window is met.. Meaning that you have to unmask flames right away and clear or wait til next day
Awesome video I love your story about the customer. The House of Colors base that's great I always thought some of the base coat colors under real good deep clear look candy I don't know how old you are if you remember the metal flake lacquer candy that we used to use make sure has come a long way. On the taping I found using the blue fine line and then orange masking tape what does translucent works great little more expensive though try it if you get a chance if you already haven't. Sure appreciate your video James keep burning them down my friend
Don't know if you know or not but there is a new method of masking, a certain kind of masking tape has a fishing line like material in the tape that will cut the masking tape from underneath so there is no possibility of cutting through your paint.
Thanks very much! I try and avoid stupid people as much as possible. That was the only stupid customer who actually paid me extra for being a pain. Usually they just cost money and time. Best to avoid them no matter how much you need the money. thanks for your kind comment
If you want real ghost flames. Use the same "metallic" base coat with a dash of flattener in it. It makes the flakes lay a different way . Clearcoat takes away the dull and you will only see the flames at a certain angle ;)
Wool pad first with heavy compound over 1200 grit sanded clear coat. Then drop down to a foam cutting pad with same heavy compound then swirl removing compounds with finer foam pads. EZ1 clean cut the blue compound is my favorite but they seem to be out of business so its hard to find any more. Will use whatever heavy cuts are on sale as Im still shopping for something I like as much as the blue.
EXELLENT WORK. I've seen your website and I'm beyond impressed. I'm pursuing a career in the industry and I'm wondering if you have other tutorials or courses on DVD? I'm in Maine and there's no classes out here. I'm on disability and can't go to school for it or travel to workshops like I really want to at this time. I'm on my own and drastically need guidance and inspiration and this video really gave me that and I'm eager to learn more and grow as an artist and get successful like you. Respectfully, -Rocco Palmieri
yes James, im doing a project and would like very much to have this type of paint job done to this bike. ive never done this but I think ....just maybe I can make it work. the question is when the flames are done on your video the color is red powered pearl. my thought is and might be stupid but the color is silver on the flames not red would you please explain this color ? like I said ...my first time. also ,what a great video.
I watched the entire video, and honestly was getting a little (very, very little) bored up until the end. But when the shot started with the finished product on the bike I let out an uncontrolled "HOLY FUCK!!!" and nearly fell out of my chair. AMAZING job!!!
Man, I really hope you're still active. I don't know much of anything when it comes to paint, but I have a wooden panel that I am painting black. With your advice I'll go with glossy or matte, but I have a stencil I wanna do over the black but I want to make it faint/ghosty if possible. Basically like your state in your vid, visible only in the sun/light or from the side but I do not know what to do. Think you could help me out?? Thanks in advance..
Hey James Scott have you ever thought about using the latex based liquid mask such as the bob dively brand or parma fasmask? It's usually found in the hobby/crafts market but I know that stuff works awesome and peels off like a loose layer of skin. It leaves no residue what so ever.
Liquid mask is great and I actually used it for a while when I was getting free samples but I still decided I liked tape mask better. The reasons I can remember as its been a few years. Probably just because of personal preference.
hi Jame all your videos are awesome. i´m starting on the airbrushing and i have a question... for example when the car is new and someone only need a ghost flames... how i have to prepare the area? i have to remove something? thanks.. sorry my english is not good I´m from Costa Rica...
Only ghost flames you want to be sure to use a liquid scuff as well as a gray scotchbrite. You will need to scuff entire panel that will get the flames. Then clean well, wax and grease remove/or final clean solvent (Read directions as some wax and grease removers need to dry over night.) Then a mist of bulldog or other adhesion promoter. Unmask then a light coat of adhesion promoter over entire panel then clear coat. Because you scuffed it you can do it without adhesion promoter. Its just added security to make sure it never delaminates. Hope this helps
I have become "a Fan" of the iridescent / chameleon ghost flames, that are rather faint, and change color/hue as you move your position. {but NOT as faint as the guy in your story!} (-; Have you ever tried putting down your flame design with reflective film [such as 3M] and then painting the colors of the flame over that? It certainly would not be "ghost" flames, but they "light up" at night in headlights, and have a real "glow" out in the sunlight! The only 'negative' is that it adds a 3D 'edge' to the flame. I usually 'disguise' the edge with a painted pinstripe. But it might be something you find enjoyable, and a way to 'expand' your creative looks. {You ca get the material from several sign/paint supply companies, such as ALSA or Phase II Supply..} LOVED the finished product on this video! Keep up the Great work!
I have done some ghost flames working with chrome paints and candys as well as chameleons. Did a lot of Chameleon flame jobs in the 90's Anodized candys seem to be getting popular now though the chrome paints are a pain to use.
James Scott I am sure the translucent paints, such as lacquers, will look GREAT over the 'chrome' finishes! But what I was asking about is the Reflective Films that "Light Up" in headlights at night! I have done 'traditional' flames by cutting out the film, and laying the colors down next to each other --- as well as LOTS of other designs such as 'waving US Flags' --- but have not done airbrush 'real flames' over white or yellow Reflective material, so that the entire artwork "lights up"....
Sorry about slow replies and misunderstanding. I have used reflective vinyl on a few SImiTrucks and busses with a candy overlay. However in the show car and bike biz using vinyl can be a disqualification. Also have a slight edge even with a pinstripe around it. The slightest edge on flames can mean loss of points at a car show. Though vinyl is the fastest and easiest way to go these days. Especially with the latest Auto Wrap effects they have. They can do wraps in any effect including chromes, glows, anodized candy over chrome. Very cool stuff. Personally I like to do everything by hand so use paint for everything I can
Pretty much any paint can be deleted thin enough for an airbrush. However airbrush specific paint will spit less and have fewer issues. Still all paint will have some issues. Especially if in the gun for too long, or you dont clean right after used. As for automotive paints, the slower the better. Even in cold weather that recommends fast paint. Slow is still better. Your clear coat that goes on top can be fast.
Beginner here and first let me say your work is awesome!!! I know this video was posted awhile ago but can someone tell me what tape hes using and where I can get it maybe? Thanks in advance.
1/8th or 1/16th fineline you can get at any autobody paint supply store. .believe its 3m , also there are cheaper vinyl brands that work fine too. An orange and blue color. Amazon, TCP global and ebay all have it
Very nice flames. But I have to say it's not really ghost flames. I think those flames can be seen even in the dimmest light. Reduce 150%? Don't you use transparent colors? If using a transparent color you only have to reduce 10-20%. I guess it's just personal preference and technique..
have you considered using obsidion instead of a razor blade? if you want sharp, it makes the sharpest razor blade look like the dullest thing on earth. surgeons prefer it to surgical steel blades. just a tip..
I hate when people use the term "Ghost Flames". Why? Because It's my term. I cerated it in the early 80s before I ever heard anyone use it. What I did was nothing like what they try to call ghost flames today. Todays version is just a monochrome cookie cutter stencil job. Mine are real Ghost flames. I would be happy to share my simple method.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, very helpful. Friggin hilarious story about the customer with the ghost flames too, laughed my ass off.
I own a shop and can totally sympathize.
Damn nice job James!!! The story of what the painter does and what the owner wants, is OUR NIGHTMARE as painters!!
Love all your videos when I get time to watch them 💪👌
Awesome job brother!🔥🇺🇲 And you're story was funny 😂
Absolutely love the work of art. The long, lean flames are the best I've seen. This video has inspired me to take on the challenge to paint my sporty, hopefully as nice as your project. I'm going to practice on my side panels until I get it. Thank you for the inspiration.
Dude that is cool shit your gonna be good for my portfolio .been a fabracator /welder for 30 years a n d now I would love to be able to paint some of my own builds.thanks looking forward to watching more vids.
I really enjoyed your video a lot, and your story was funny! You do super professional work. Thanks for sharing your talent, skill and techniques!
thank you very much for the kind words.
thank you sooo much for 5he kind words
I like that you went into detail about the process, I also liked what you said about dealing with the difficult customer. I've had to deal with a few painting cars whereas they picked out a color and didn't like it on the car. thanks very informative.
Realy nice work.. I did my first job last winter and i tryed to do my ghost flames with same color as the rest of motorcycle, just a few coats more, with magenta candy.
That's the same way I do ghost flames when I go maybe lighter than that depends on what the person's expecting but mainly I like to do in real life so they just reacting the sun are in in street lights things like that and look really good then and I don't I clear coat them enough time that you can't feel the flying with your hand anyway thank you for helping people understand what goes into doing flames and I made a living God Jesus Christ bless your endeavor and this work you're doing
Was not what I thought ghost flames should look like. Possibly they are better!
Beautiful work!
Excellent tutorial. Love the old school tips and methods
Great vidio, and great story.
Beautiful 💗
It's hard to make me laugh but your ghost flame story cracked me the fuck up bro!!! "Now that's what I'm talking about! That's ghost flames!" LMAO
Awesome video. Great tips and tricks
Great video flames look really cool and I agree no one like shrinkage!
Ha, ha nice story, music in the background and of course nice paintjob
I disagree about the talking James....The tips and tricks given during that talking are as valuable and important to some of us as anything else. Your Time, Tips and tricks are very much appreciated and can save alot of aggravation! Great Video!
stunning colour and pattern. awesome talent
Loved you ghost flame story, made me laugh my arse off.
Thanks James, you just took the fear of doing this myself right out'a me :)
Wow! thank you for the kind words. That is awesome to know. I do plan as I learn more about videos. to keep them shorter with less talking. At least make sure all talking is relevant. lol The tips and tricks I have learned from doing this for 25 years and not from any automotive or Art schools. They are just another option and perspective for people to try if other methods are not working for them. My goal is hopefully keep people from making all the expensive mistakes I have made in the past.
The paint is HOK candy basecoat wineberry and the flames are just red pearl mixed in some clear. then I clear coat everything. The more pearl coats you put the brighter and pinker the flames will get. they do make silver pearls and HOK has Ice pearls that are more intense. Recommend pearls to be mixed in an intercoat clear. Otherwise you can use your regular clear as long as the coat window is met.. Meaning that you have to unmask flames right away and clear or wait til next day
Very informative. Many Thanx!
These are by far the coolest flames I have seen out there, but not ghost
Awesome video I love your story about the customer. The House of Colors base that's great I always thought some of the base coat colors under real good deep clear look candy I don't know how old you are if you remember the metal flake lacquer candy that we used to use make sure has come a long way. On the taping I found using the blue fine line and then orange masking tape what does translucent works great little more expensive though try it if you get a chance if you already haven't. Sure appreciate your video James keep burning them down my friend
Don't know if you know or not but there is a new method of masking, a certain kind of masking tape has a fishing line like material in the tape that will cut the masking tape from underneath so there is no possibility of cutting through your paint.
What tape is that?
James scott great video i had a similar customer and there view on ghost flames
That story was great
Thanks very much! I try and avoid stupid people as much as possible. That was the only stupid customer who actually paid me extra for being a pain. Usually they just cost money and time. Best to avoid them no matter how much you need the money.
thanks for your kind comment
My buddy used to me you can fix anything, you just can't fix stupid....🤜🤛✌️💯👍🏼
buenas noches, disculpen que pintura utilizas ?? muy bonito tu trabajo te felicito
Awesome video everything was great!!!!!!
Hahaha that customer story is too epic
From 20:11-20:13 I was like, HOLY SHIT! WHAT A DIFFERENCE AFTER CLEARCOAT! Nice work🤘
THANK YOU, I Have been needing This
Absolutely beautiful
Thank 's for Sharing your knowlege 😎🇲🇽😎🇲🇽😎
that's a sweet looking sportser !! mine next !!!
If you want real ghost flames. Use the same "metallic" base coat with a dash of flattener in it. It makes the flakes lay a different way . Clearcoat takes away the dull and you will only see the flames at a certain angle ;)
Story made me LOL, champion one haha!
lol at your story..... customers are crazy sometimes. just had one like that leave.... they always want more too after you give them the price haha
Wool pad first with heavy compound over 1200 grit sanded clear coat. Then drop down to a foam cutting pad with same heavy compound then swirl removing compounds with finer foam pads. EZ1 clean cut the blue compound is my favorite but they seem to be out of business so its hard to find any more. Will use whatever heavy cuts are on sale as Im still shopping for something I like as much as the blue.
That's dope bro! Thanks for the tutorial and tips 👌
EXELLENT WORK. I've seen your website and I'm beyond impressed. I'm pursuing a career in the industry and I'm wondering if you have other tutorials or courses on DVD? I'm in Maine and there's no classes out here. I'm on disability and can't go to school for it or travel to workshops like I really want to at this time. I'm on my own and drastically need guidance and inspiration and this video really gave me that and I'm eager to learn more and grow as an artist and get successful like you.
Respectfully,
-Rocco Palmieri
thanks for the info. great job by the way
have to apply vernis after painting or just polishing
tem que aplicar vernis após a pintura ou simplesmente polindo
sweet clear finish, what ya spraying ? Do ya use all HOC. ?
yes James, im doing a project and would like very much to have this type of paint job done to this bike. ive never done this but I think ....just maybe I can make it work. the question is when the flames are done on your video the color is red powered pearl. my thought is and might be stupid but the color is silver on the flames not red would you please explain this color ? like I said ...my first time. also ,what a great video.
Nice story and job. When you jumped to about 21 minutes my eyes popped out of my head. Question is how long have you been doing this?
Awesome! May I ask what base and color for the airbrush are made of? I used to only know lacquers from start to finish.
So after you air brush the flames, what’s next????? Do I just pull off the tape then apply clear coat??
I watched the entire video, and honestly was getting a little (very, very little) bored up until the end. But when the shot started with the finished product on the bike I let out an uncontrolled "HOLY FUCK!!!" and nearly fell out of my chair. AMAZING job!!!
Damn, this is still fucking sick, even in 2021. I gotta try this myself.
James Scott What kind of masking tape do you use? And What airbrush do you prefer?
good job,bro
And great ghost flame story too :)
Man, I really hope you're still active. I don't know much of anything when it comes to paint, but I have a wooden panel that I am painting black. With your advice I'll go with glossy or matte, but I have a stencil I wanna do over the black but I want to make it faint/ghosty if possible. Basically like your state in your vid, visible only in the sun/light or from the side but I do not know what to do. Think you could help me out?? Thanks in advance..
Wow, I just happen to know the owner of this bike. Small world.
Awesome I would like to learn this job
Hey James Scott have you ever thought about using the latex based liquid mask such as the bob dively brand or parma fasmask? It's usually found in the hobby/crafts market but I know that stuff works awesome and peels off like a loose layer of skin. It leaves no residue what so ever.
Liquid mask is great and I actually used it for a while when I was getting free samples but I still decided I liked tape mask better. The reasons I can remember as its been a few years. Probably just because of personal preference.
Great video James!
hi Jame all your videos are awesome. i´m starting on the airbrushing and i have a question... for example when the car is new and someone only need a ghost flames... how i have to prepare the area? i have to remove something? thanks.. sorry my english is not good I´m from Costa Rica...
Only ghost flames you want to be sure to use a liquid scuff as well as a gray scotchbrite. You will need to scuff entire panel that will get the flames. Then clean well, wax and grease remove/or final clean solvent (Read directions as some wax and grease removers need to dry over night.) Then a mist of bulldog or other adhesion promoter. Unmask then a light coat of adhesion promoter over entire panel then clear coat. Because you scuffed it you can do it without adhesion promoter. Its just added security to make sure it never delaminates. Hope this helps
thanks a lot..
This video was very nice. What type of tape did you used for making of the flames?
I have become "a Fan" of the iridescent / chameleon ghost flames, that are rather faint, and change color/hue as you move your position. {but NOT as faint as the guy in your story!} (-;
Have you ever tried putting down your flame design with reflective film [such as 3M] and then painting the colors of the flame over that? It certainly would not be "ghost" flames, but they "light up" at night in headlights, and have a real "glow" out in the sunlight!
The only 'negative' is that it adds a 3D 'edge' to the flame. I usually 'disguise' the edge with a painted pinstripe. But it might be something you find enjoyable, and a way to 'expand' your creative looks. {You ca get the material from several sign/paint supply companies, such as ALSA or Phase II Supply..}
LOVED the finished product on this video! Keep up the Great work!
I have done some ghost flames working with chrome paints and candys as well as chameleons. Did a lot of Chameleon flame jobs in the 90's Anodized candys seem to be getting popular now though the chrome paints are a pain to use.
James Scott I am sure the translucent paints, such as lacquers, will look GREAT over the 'chrome' finishes!
But what I was asking about is the Reflective Films that "Light Up" in headlights at night! I have done 'traditional' flames by cutting out the film, and laying the colors down next to each other --- as well as LOTS of other designs such as 'waving US Flags' --- but have not done airbrush 'real flames' over white or yellow Reflective material, so that the entire artwork "lights up"....
Sorry about slow replies and misunderstanding. I have used reflective vinyl on a few SImiTrucks and busses with a candy overlay. However in the show car and bike biz using vinyl can be a disqualification. Also have a slight edge even with a pinstripe around it. The slightest edge on flames can mean loss of points at a car show. Though vinyl is the fastest and easiest way to go these days. Especially with the latest Auto Wrap effects they have. They can do wraps in any effect including chromes, glows, anodized candy over chrome. Very cool stuff. Personally I like to do everything by hand so use paint for everything I can
what's a good air brush for painting ghost flames
good video, maybe I will try this.
Like your watch! Is it a omega?
Thanks for the video! I have a bike tank and some other tins, I am thinking of having repaired and re-clear coated. Can you help?
James, can you use any paint in a airbrush? Or does it have to be airbrush specific?
Pretty much any paint can be deleted thin enough for an airbrush. However airbrush specific paint will spit less and have fewer issues. Still all paint will have some issues. Especially if in the gun for too long, or you dont clean right after used. As for automotive paints, the slower the better. Even in cold weather that recommends fast paint. Slow is still better. Your clear coat that goes on top can be fast.
@@rodstohogs Awesome. Thank you so much.
Nota 💯👏👏👏👏👏👏
when you start on an existing paint job, do you only scuff the clear coat and lay ur flames on top of that...?
Beautiful...
great job i love your videos! what compounds and pads do you use for cut buff? thanks !
Hahaha that ghost flame dude was on the goooooos shit lol
Great job thank you I am going to try this on my dune buggy
James what color did you use for the base coat is it wine berry over black
Do you have a sparkle in the base color
Beginner here and first let me say your work is awesome!!! I know this video was posted awhile ago but can someone tell me what tape hes using and where I can get it maybe? Thanks in advance.
I am also new to this and got TONS of free information from Coast Airbrush the tape I think is 3M fine line 1/8 inch
1/8th or 1/16th fineline you can get at any autobody paint supply store. .believe its 3m , also there are cheaper vinyl brands that work fine too. An orange and blue color. Amazon, TCP global and ebay all have it
James Smith Film
thank you sir
Oreillys and you can probably get it cheap if you know anyone that works there
Nice work!
gracias por compartir
The Best!!!
muito bom to aprendendo cada veis mais
Really nice .✌✌!!
Story was worth it hahah
I wonder how black flames would look on a white street glide with denim paint.
Very nice flames. But I have to say it's not really ghost flames. I think those flames can be seen even in the dimmest light.
Reduce 150%? Don't you use transparent colors? If using a transparent color you only have to reduce 10-20%.
I guess it's just personal preference and technique..
I agree.....
have you considered using obsidion instead of a razor blade? if you want sharp, it makes the sharpest razor blade look like the dullest thing on earth. surgeons prefer it to surgical steel blades. just a tip..
Great job
Brilliant.......!
Very nice
WoW
Awsome work
I know this is old. FBS has tape you can see thru now
Very Nice!
awesome vid
g8..thanx...
I hate when people use the term "Ghost Flames". Why? Because It's my term. I cerated it in the early 80s before I ever heard anyone use it. What I did was nothing like what they try to call ghost flames today. Todays version is just a monochrome cookie cutter stencil job. Mine are real Ghost flames. I would be happy to share my simple method.
Good ghost flame story lol
WOW!.. Really SEXY Flames Sir!,, You do AWESOME work!.. I suscribed!
3:)