Help me figure out my flames!

I am very close to putting down some paint on the '55 Belvy. My plans are to finish priming it with a 2 part epoxy black primer. Next goes down a clear base coat with a flattener agent. Then the flames go on! WOOHOO!
http://img51.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img51&image=32.bmp

Flames, flames everywhere! I just can't figure out exactly how to describe the look I want. So here is my best shot.

The flames need to look like they are flattened and worn. I don't want BAM in your face high gloss primary colors that jump off the flat black. I want a flame that looks like you can ALMOST/KINDA/SORTA/YEP see the base coat underneath. Kinda like the SKULL on LoudPedals ride.


See how the SKULL is worn and faded? That is the flame look I'm going for.

Sooo... Got any ideas? Pics? Wisecracks! LOL! Thanks!!!

 

use a flattening agent in all of yer colors, then go over it with 120grit. then flatten the **** outta yer clear..... that should work.

 

your asking alot but this will work. after the primer sand the car and paint with black base. do not clear over the primer. lay out your flames and go back and dust black back over the areas you want to look faded. if you try to scuff or sand the flame colors of you will get a better look but it will depend on the base color you paint with.

make a test panel first and play with diffrent ways and the amount of ftatting agent you put in the clear.

 

Thanks guys. I dug out an old '50 Caddy hood and I'll use it as a test panel. I'll post some pics when I'm done.