any tips on DIY lug outlines?

[brunning]

any tips on doing your own lug outlines on a painted frame, using one shot or similar traditional sign enamel?

i mean, other than "work slowly" and "be really careful"?

preferred brush? masking? any other tips?

[baxtefer]

paint pen?

[brunning]

i suppose that would solve the issue of consistency.

[Dr.Deltron]

YES, paint pen, ultra fine tip! (I learned that little trick from Brian Bayliss, no less!)
Dr.D

[cuda2k]

Where are the best places to find such ultra fine tip paint pens? Went looking for one when I repainted my last frame and never could find a tip that was near thin enough.

[tomacropod]

craft/paint store. Get one which will actually stick.

- Joel

[duane041]

I prefer One-Shot paints (high pigment load, good stuff) and Kafka or similar pinstriping brushes. The only problem I can see with a paint pen is the fact that if you aren't perfectly steady, the paint pen will move slightly with the shake of your hand. A pinstripe brush has long, thin, soft bristles that stay put, even if you move a little bit. But they do take some practice, and they aren't very cheap (a good small brush will cost around $12, really good ones even more).

If you do use a paint pen, try to keep even downward pressure on it as you go. If you press too hard, you'll start the paint flow which MAY cause a blob in your otherwise nice smooth line (yes, that's taken from experience :rolleyes: ).

[Dr.Deltron]

[QUOTE=duane041]I prefer One-Shot paints (high pigment load, good stuff) and Kafka or similar pinstriping brushes.
A pinstripe brush has long, thin, soft bristles that stay put, even if you move a little bit. But they do take some practice, and they aren't very cheap (a good small brush will cost around $12, really good ones even more).QUOTE]
As a note about brushes; there are two types for striping. One is a striping "sword" used on cars & other flat surfaces. They have the above describe long bristles, but they taper to a point. These are unweildy in the hands of anyone except a seasoned pro, especially around more ornate lugs.
The other brush is refered to as a "lettering quill". They also have long bristles, but they are all the same lenghth. For lug striping, I would try a "double ot" size (OO on the handle). That small size can make a line down to about 1/64". They can be found at good art supply shops. (although I have been to some where the salesperson looked at me and said...duh, a WHAT? when I asked for lettering quills. Oh well) A double ot lettering quill will run you about $12-$20.
Oh yes, One-Shots paints are an EXCELLENT choice!
Cheers, Dr.D