by Carl Tyndell
Because of how large a job this was on the Road King this article will be split up over
several issues of Airbrush Technique Magazine. We want to try and provide you with as
many reference photos as we can so you will better understand the process of design
layout and custom painting this bike.
Here is an outline of our Rucker Performance Pro-Mod Road King.
Using the printout of the motorcycle outline from Adobe Illustrator, I sketch a rough
draft of the graphics that will eventually be applied to the bike. After I am satisfied with
the sketch of the graphics on the outline, I place the printout on a flatbed scanner to
scan into my sketch into Adobe Illustrator.
Take a look at the sketch in Adobe Illustrator after it has been scanned. I am now ready
to trace it using the pen tool.
Using the pen tool, I outline the graphics in Illustrator. I use a sign program that reads
the lines as a vector file so it can be cut out of a paint mask (masking material used to
cut stencils). As you can see in this picture, there are small points (anchors) at every
stopping point where I have manipulated the lines to accurately follow the sketched part
of the graphics.
Before I cut the graphics on the vinyl plotter/
cutter, I measure the sheet metal so that the
graphics are sized to scale. Then I use the
measurements of the sheet metal to deter-
mine how much to increase the pictures on
the computer so the graphics can be sized
correctly over the image. In the sign program
I import the picture of the bike and the digital
reference of the graphics increasing them to
the actual size of the motorcycle.
After all measurements and calculations are sized to scale in top of the graphic it is then burnished down to make sure the
the computer, I prepare the vinyl (a thin, paintable material with transfer tape sticks to the graphic. Because there are so many
a wax paper backing) to cut out the graphics which will then be curves, we need to use a razor to cut approximately 1/8 inch
laid out on the parts of the bike. After I cut the graphic, I peel the around the graphic to make it more manageable. I continue to
outsides leaving the main graphic. I take a roll of transfer tape cut around the edges of the graphics until they are all removed
to cover the graphic that will be used to place it on the bike. The from the excess wax backing. This is what the graphics should
transfer tape will lift the graphics off the wax backing, exposing look like after the excess transfer tape and wax backing is re-
the sticky side of the vinyl. Once the transfer tape is placed on moved.
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