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A guide to customizing your car : tips and videos
While the options open to anyone who wants to customize their car are now almost endless, one of the original forms of car customization was custom paint jobs on cars. This option remains popular, ranging from changing the paint to full-blown works of art.
While custom paint jobs have been around as long as cars have existed, the custom paint job really took off in the late 1940s. Some of the early developments in car custom paint jobs include the invention of candy paint by Joe Bailon. This was a translucent colour coat usually added over a gold or silver base coat, which gave a beautiful and original colour. Pin striping and flames came to prominence with the roadsters of the 1950s, and experienced a revival in the 1970s under the influence of the movie 'Grease' which featured cars with amazing customized paint jobs.
The steps of a custom paint job start long before the pinstripes, metallic paint and pin-up girls are applied. The original paint must be stripped from the car first, and then various coats of primer must be applied, with wiping down between coats to remove any residue. After all the coats of primer have been applied and dried thoroughly, paint is applied with a paint gun, sometimes requiring multiple coats. From here, stripes, flames, flowers or whatever artistic additions can be added, either by being painted on or by using decals.
It is possible to custom paint your own car. If you are a complete beginner, it is best to ask a professional for some pointers, and perhaps sit in on a few professional sessions to see how things are done. While a custom paint job done by a professional is expensive, doing the job yourself will still entail a considerable financial outlay, as you will require not only paint and equipment, but also paint stripper and stripping equipment to take the original paint off your car; sealers, any stencils or tape required; and a considerable amount of time. Most home custom paint jobs are done for love, rather than just to save money.