The result is an ensemble of millions of strokes interplaying to create a singular impression.
What you are about to view is a unique process of hand brush application automotive painting. In 2002 I was commissioned to design and paint a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle like a giant turtle.
I developed the hand brushing technique for use with Dupont Centari Enamel Automotive Paints. The process is like pin striping an entire vehicle, and has been called "impossible," "foolish," and "insane" by the experts I queried during my research. (The head of the Automotive Refinishing Department at Dunwoody Technical College thought it couldnt be done.) They were correct about one thing the process is insane, but the result is worth it. To the best of my knowledge, I am the only person doing this type of painting. It certainly cannot be achieved with spraying.
Success with this technique requires precision, improvisation, and most importantly endurance! The paint dries so fast you can see it drying behind your brush. If you dont move quickly enough, your brush will glue itself to the vehicle. It requires the painter to literally run around the vehicle with little dabs of paint, working 16-hour days in a respirator and full protective gear. It is exhausting work. The experience is like going from a thin ink-like consistency to a thickened dry brush acrylic feel, within minutes. Once a stroke is laid down, there is no changing it. The result is an ensemble of millions of strokes interplaying to create a singular impression.
Ive survived two of these art car jobs. The first was a 66 VW Beetle painted like a giant turtle, dubbed the Turtle Bug, for Blue Butterfly Group. It took 2 painters 7 days, working 12-20 hour shifts. My second I painted solo: a 97 Chevy Lumina Mini-Van transformed into a giant fish tank for Fish Cleaning Co. I clocked an average of 18 hours a day for 8 days straight. My next project I will, thank God, be working with a crew. A hand detailed 1978 Plymouth Volare de la Richard Petty. A whole new style, but right up my alley. My motto: Make it shine in the clients eyes.
Commissions are available by contacting me, Brently MD, at brentlymd@gmail or by calling 612-803-4270.
Success with this technique requires precision, improvisation, and most importantly endurance! The paint dries so fast you can see it drying behind your brush. If you dont move quickly enough, your brush will glue itself to the vehicle. It requires the painter to literally run around the vehicle with little dabs of paint for 16-hour shifts in a respirator and full protective gear. It is exhausting work. Within minutes the paint morphs from a thin ink-like consistency to a thickened dry brush acrylic feel. Once a stroke is laid down, there is no changing it. The result is an ensemble of millions of strokes interplaying to create a singular impression.
