| Did you know pinstriping has a long history? Even | | | | Striping with stencil tape is also popular. There are |
| before the invention of automobiles, pinstriping was | | | | several types of stencil tape that are suitable for auto |
| used as an ornamental decoration for horse and | | | | pinstriping applications. Stencil tape striping uses |
| buggy carriages. | | | | brushes, and a specialized pinstriping brush is an |
| Custom pinstripes started appearing on automobiles in | | | | essential ingredient in a successful project. Stencil tape |
| the mid-1950s. Although pinstriping had been on cars | | | | allows you to apply different color stripes without |
| long before that, the last American car to appear with | | | | needing the other stripes to dry. |
| auto pinstriping had been made by General Motors in | | | | Freehand pinstriping is the most difficult method, |
| the late 30's. For those individuals with muscle or | | | | requiring the most practice to master, but permits |
| sports cars, customizing their ride is an important part | | | | unrestricted creativity. The simplest plan for a freehand |
| of owning and showcasing the vehicle, and pinstriping is | | | | striping newbie is to lay a strip of masking tape down |
| a final touch. | | | | approximately a quarter inch from where you want |
| Pinstripes are commonly painted in two colors: one that | | | | the finished line to be, and then use this tape as visual |
| sets off the body color, and another, thin line, in a color | | | | guiding for your stripes. Whatever you do, don't use |
| contrasted with the stripe to make it stand out. | | | | regular masking tape, or your pinstriping paint will bleed |
| Mechanical pin striping is the best way to stripe larger | | | | under the edge. Get some auto body masking tape |
| vehicles- trucks, vans, or station wagons. The benefit is | | | | from an auto supply store. |
| it lays down stripes of constant width, letting you focus | | | | No matter what method you use, pinstriping is one of |
| attention on getting the stripe oriented properly along | | | | the finest ways to make your vehicle distinctive. Just |
| your working surface. You can set up your stripe lines | | | | like anything else worth doing right, practice makes |
| using magnetic pinstriping strips with center grooves | | | | priceless results but having the best equipment you |
| designed to be paint templates. They hold fast to steel | | | | can get your hands on helps too. |
| surfaces, and can also work as guidea for your hand. | | | | |