Doing Flames With Cans

Courtesy of Van Designs

Here's a fade done using Sapphire Blue Metallic and Burgundy Metallic spray cans from Testors. The best trick is to apply the colors one right after the other... before the first color has time to dry. This creates a smoother transition between the two colors. The result is a near airbrush-like blend. But caution must be taken to avoid overlapping the paint in too heavy of a fashion, thus resulting in "bleeding" and/or possible runs in the finish. Just take it slow.

The next most important trick, is the use of some sort of shield. Empty cardboard light bulb holders to work very good! After applying the first color to the body hold the shield over the part of the body you don't want painted. This will keep spray can over spray to a minimum. It may take a little practice, but patience is a virtue.

With a well-faded, front-to-rear paint job, that has dried thoroughly, you then apply Hot Headz stickers (as outlined in Airbrush Flames - Method Two).

Now here's where the quality of your final results will be decided... you have to choose a color and paint over the entire body with it. But then you will want to remove the masks before that last coat of paint dries completely! Not right away, mind you, but probably within 15 minutes or so! Why? Well, because then you can tidy up any over spray (using enamel paint thinner and a fine brush) and immediately apply your clear coat! The idea is that the clear will sort of "melt" into the not-yet-cured main color and prevent ugly ridges from forming where the mask was. The main reason for these ridges is due to the spray can's relatively thick coats (versus fine airbrush coats). Using this method will help reduce the ridges and create a smoother looking final finish. When the first coat of clear is completely dry you may want to add a second and perhaps even third coat.

This Twin Mill II (after some body mods) was flamed using nothing but spray cans. YES!! IT can be done with spray cans!!!