usually do a centerline with a ‘stabilo’ pencil (a water soluble What goals do you set for yourself when you stripe? “ For my-
pencil that comes in white, blue, and yellow). If the design is very self and the few that I have taught: When you do long lines, do
complicated, I will layout the whole design in the stabilo before them as clean as you can. Doing long straight lines is way differ-
the actual striping begins. I have even been known to use a grid ent than just designs. After 30 plus years, I am still pushing for
system if the design has to get very tight. I do my designs with a perfect line. There are stripers out there that do this 10 plus
a very limited amount of color trying to keep them fairly simple. hours a day. Their work is so straight, you would think a laser
If the customer is pleased and requests it, I will get a bit more did it; but it is done by hand.” What do you feel are some of the
complicated with it. My style of work is still simple compared mistakes made when trying to become a proficient striper?
to others.”
“Hmmmm, well I suppose it would be trying to learn all styles
that everyone does. It is impossible. Find what you like. When
you start improving, don’t try to intimate others, develop your
own style, even if it takes you years. To me pin striping is an art
that is made to be on its own. Make your work yours.”
Ok here is a very minimal list of items to get you started in
striping.
1. We will be doing our simple design with a Mack brush.
While they have many sizes, a #0, or # 1 will be great to start
with. Mack makes two different styles of dagger or sword strip-
ing brushes. A cheaper one to start with is the series 20. They
have a green wrapped-handle. You can get the series 30 also;
they are just about dollar more. The series 30 is better quality
squirrel hair.
2. A Qt. or Gal. of Odorless Paint Thinner of known as Mineral
Spirits.
3. One bottle of Mineral Oil, or any type of natural oil such as
Neats- foot Oil to preserve brushes when not in use.
4. Rags and paper towels.
5. Any type of small stir sticks or pop sickle sticks.
6. Plastic lids, such as coffee lids, or any plastic lid that’s four
inches or more in diameter. These are used as paint pallets for
your brushes.
7. Stabilo Pencils for sketching simple designs. Best colors are
yellow and blue.
8. Small paper cups wax free to mix paints when needed.
9. And the paint. Any color will work. I have found One Shot Light
Blue to be easy to start with, it wipes off easily if you make a
mistake.
10. Last is the material to practice on. You may have old hel-
mets, tanks, etc., just waiting for you to paint it. But to start any
type of smooth surface that is flat. Here are some of the items
people use to practice on. Pizza trays, hubcaps, stove top cov-
ers, and regular paint panels. Regular paint panels are just like
What would you like to tell those wanting to learn pin strip- a surface on a vehicle as the paint is baked on and very slick. Do
ing? “Start out doing the basic pinstripe strokes. Lines, C not start with glass as you will get a reflection and a distorted
curves, S cures, and circles. Rotating the brush in your turns view of what you are trying to paint. You also need masking tape
is sometimes difficult to master, but once you have it; your if you need to tape your practice panel to a wall or easel.
life will become much easier. Get a circle template and draw This is a very basic list of supplies. However it will allow you to
many circles on your surface and then practice striping them. get your feet wet without getting a soaking. One can spend
Get that brush control down! I will be the first to say this is enormous amount of money trying to buy every brush and paint
not easy, but stay with it. Compare your work against that of on the market. It is best to see if striping is for you first.
others you see in magazines, web sites and on vehicles, learn The strokes and curves are very basic, but very important in
from it. I’m not necessarily saying copy, but really look at how learning brush control, I also believe you should have a bit of fun
the design is laid out. Take your time, there is no set time at too. The practice of doing 1,000 strokes of each line drill works
getting good, everyone learns a different way. Remember to for some folks, but sometimes just messing with the brush and
ALWAYS take care of your brushes.” paint will get you moving forward. Brush control, brush control!
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