To stripe or not to stripe; that is my question? Help?

[burlesot]

Hey guys,

I finished painting the teardrop last night with the silver hammered finish from Rustoleum. It looks phenomenal if I do say so myself. The hammered finish has successfully masked many of the imperfections in the aluminum and has given the trailer a consistent and pleasant appearance.

Here is what I would like to know from you all. I'd like to add a little character to my teardrop now. My 'accent' color is orange (in the galley and in the cabin). I am thinking of adding a stripe to the side of the teardrop and also painting the rims to coordinate. However, I'm doubting myself. I'm not concerned with keeping with the 'traditional' paint theme of the 1947 Tourette, I'm interested in making it look unique and cool.

Will you please take a look at my 'mock up' of the stripe and rim paint job and give me your feedback? Obviously I know this is completely subjective, but I'd welcome any insight.

Should I keep it as it is, or should I jazz it up?

Should I put the stripe somewhere else? Should I make it thicker? thiner?

Thanks for your input!

Todd

[Mary C]

The problem I see is .........Do you like it??? I am not a decorator but when I have a question like that I always decide on what I like. TD looks great!! Have you taken any pictures of the inside? if so where are they?

Mary C.

[danlott]

I think a side stripe of some sort would look good. Maybe you could look into some vinyl graphic. Here is a link to an eBay listing with a few different styles and you can get them is several different colors.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Side-Stripe-Racing-Style-Auto-Car-Truck-SUV-Body-Graphic-SS-Style-/310351460617?pt=Decals_Stickers_Vinyl_Art&var=610040581418&hash=item4842637909#ht_5124wt_1101

Dan

[CarlLaFong]

The stripe needs to be curved. Also, I would make it wide at the front and taper it, to a point, at the rear

[burlesot]

Any advice on how to tape a curve?

Thanks for the great feedback guys.

I've been working a bit on the trailer today and I'm going to let it sit for a week or so, just to allow the paint to fully cure.

Then I'll probably give it a go.

Thanks so much for the great input.

TB

[CarlLaFong]

Taping a curve can, sometimes, be done freehand. If you're a bit shakey, you can make a guide from a thin strip of wood and some string. String it up, like an archers bow and experiment on the garage floor or a sheet of Kraft paper until you get something that is pleasing to your eye. I would have less of a curve at the front and a bit more as it travels towards the rear so it enhances the shape of the trailer body. Once you have what you want, cut a pattern out of the Kraft paper and tape it to the trailer. Then just follow the edge of the pattern and mask it off.
Easy, huh????

[burlesot]

Thanks; not easy, but I like a challenge!

TB

[Ron Dickey]

there are very many stripes to cover.

google images: stripes artistic
strips vw
stripes on boat

on my trailer there will be a very very very small pin stripe that will be seen on the road from the side but still complement the color of the rest of the trailer.
light blue with a bright green strip.

You may have seen the apple green VW van with a odd blue colored strip the design was made so it would stand out on the road a little like those bright green, yellow, or blue running shoes to runner could be seen on the road.

[iregan]

Hi!
I think it would look really nice outlining the orange stripe with black!
I think I would taper the stripe too, although when I think about it it might look really nice tapering from an arrow head and wider towards the back, sort of like a 64 Falcon side panels. The great thing about customizing stuff and making it your own is you can do whatever makes you happy as you only have yourself to answer to
Regan

[DougH]

How about keeping what you have but add a curve that matched the rear profile starting about even with the front of the wheel well curving down to just behind it. The orange accent would start out as a stripe in front and then curve down to cover the rear lower portion of the trailer also.

[burlesot]

Doug

Great advice.


T

[GPW]

You can take a plain straight stripe and make it very eye-catching by making the stripe fade from one color into another , or lighter to darker .. many possibilities with a few spray cans ... Very Easy !
Even a simple stripe can dress up most any vehicle ...All how far you want to take it...

[celticquetzel]

To tape a curve, use the thinnest tape possible. Should be able to get from art store. It will curve more easily. You can add wider tape on the outside edge for a wider buffer. When I use this technique in my house i first paint the edge of the tape with the same paint as the background. This seals the edge, and any bleeding under will be the same color as the background so it won't show. Then paint the stripe. To remove tape heat a bit with hair dryer and pull away carefully so you don't pull up the stripe. Lots of techniques out there, but this works for me.