weathering graphics I just finished

I'm working on a friend's '57 adding flames, some hand-painted logos, and pinstriping. I made the logos a bit big, but he likes them so we're good on that.

I don't want to weather the whole car (primer gray) or the flames, but the decals need some toning down against the gray with white top car. I used 1-shot slightly thinned, but I didn't flatten it because I wasn't sure how all this was going to look in sunlight. The logos are too glossy and too stark.

I read up on some search results about sanding and such and that is an option. Let me run this idea by you and see what the gallery thinks and I'd also appreciate any additional tips/info folks have to offer.

Idea: mask off around the logos and cover the rest of the car for overspray. Use a sealer-primer in a rattle can or touch-up gun and lightly fog a thin coat on each logo. Let dry thoroughly. The goal is not to cover the work, but put an even, translucent layer over it.

Use a soft block with 400 W&D and slowly work the area. The low spots in the paint lines (brush work) should remain and the high spots should flatten. Overall the thing should tone down without appearing too 'worked'. Follow with 600 W&D to smooth things out a bit more.

If the masking was good the logos should look like they were done some time ago, but not 30-year's worth or sitting outside in the sun. I'm not trying to create something that looks to be painted in the 60s, though the logos really need something to blend in better. I might crop of photo of some of the work and let you see just what I am talking about.

Oh....I put my version of mooneyes coming out from under one flame lick and sitting over another. The comment was made that they look like ****s. My response - 'fine then - I'll leave them just like that since its got *** appeal'.

 

I'm of no help to you, but I'd like to see what it looks like.

 

Well, thanks any way. If I get a chance I have a spare fender for my firebird that I did some work on to break in the new brushes and I'll attempt this method on that.

 

I did a How To on aging lettering that is in the archives here;you might want to check it out.Type in How To age lettering.

 

will do. I don't think when I did my search I don't think a how-to came up.

 

I only have minimal experience with vehicle graphics (flames) and a few sign jobs as most of my background as a graphic designer is in the printing business. In printing, we do a lot of dull/glossy spot varnishing. Just curious if there is a clear coat or sealer that would do the same concept? Something that would dull down the brightness without you having to sand or alter your logo.

Like your approach in doing some test sampling... Please post some pics, so we can follow along in your technique.

 

Looked through all your posts safariknut, couldnt find the one you mentioned..

 

I just checked it and can't find it either.It was in there yesterday.PM me your e-mail address and I can send you the pictures of the How To;the text is no longer in there.

 

Are these the posts you are looking for?
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134854

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135014

 

That's the one! Thank you Sancho!