Ghost graphics

[pollito14]

Can someone tell me or explain how ghost graphics or flames are achieved on exterior of cars?

 

[kcbhiw]

AFAIK, it's just a vinyl overlay.

 

[Matthew]

pics?

 

[MP3skaterNC]

Ghost flames ect. are usually painted on the car. often its just a slightly different shade of paint from the rest of the car. So from a distance the car looks to be one color, but when close to it, theres flames, stripes, whatever the hell you want on it. I have no clue how this would be pulled off in vinyl, and it would probably just end up looking pretty tacky. I wouldn't mind seeing some ghost flames on a protege, I think it would look pretty cool.

 

[kcbhiw]

Ghost flames ect. are usually painted on the car. often its just a slightly different shade of paint from the rest of the car. So from a distance the car looks to be one color, but when close to it, theres flames, stripes, whatever the hell you want on it. I have no clue how this would be pulled off in vinyl, and it would probably just end up looking pretty tacky. I wouldn't mind seeing some ghost flames on a protege, I think it would look pretty cool.

Ahh well. I figured most graphics these days went on as vinyl. However, it is very possible to print such a thing on vinyl. You just have to be careful. We have a large vinyl printer at work and the things you can do with it are quite impressive.

 

[MP3skaterNC]

im sure anything is possible, but traditionally ghost flames, ect. are done by skilled auto painters.

 

[alexlitov]

Pics??

 

[Natey]

 

[laserbluemp5]

My car is in the shop right now for an all new custom paint and one of the things on my list for them to do is ghost flames on the hood . it will be done by painting flames in light blue pearl on top of the new paint then shot with two coats of clear .

 

[Matthew]

well ill have to seem some nice pics

 

[xoom xoom]

I'm sure if you had the right color vinyl you can make the same effect. Just make sure you have a good, experinced vinyl graphics company do it.

 

[pollito14]

I thought it was pearl painted into a negative mask.

In other words mask off what you don't want to paint and then spray with pearl paint.

 

[rednecks_r_us]

I have a laser blue Mp5 and my buddy is a painter. He had his own shop for many years in California. I will be putting ghost flames on my MP5 most likely next summer.

The only thing is I haven't deciced between blue pearl or purple pearl paint for the flames.

I had a roommate with a purple 92 camero with purple ghost flames and it looked awesome. He painted it himself. He also did my Dad's 1980 Vette corvette red with gold pearl.

So I know how pearl paint looks. It can be very difficult to work with but it is beautful when its done.

I hadn't even thought of using a decal for ghost flames or anything like that.

I think I'll stick to the painted ones. My Mp5 is only 7 months and the front nose is already pitted from road depris. painting on the ghost flames I can redo my front nose and put a real clear coat on instead of that cheap coat that MAZDA put on.

I better stop or I'll start bitching about MAZDA's cheap (thin) paint and clear coat.

Later,

Bill

 

[rednecks_r_us]

To answer the original question.

To do ghost flames or ghost anything. You need to color sand the area that you want the flames or what ever. Mask off what you don't painted. Paint the flames with a contrasting color. Then I've been told its best to put a complete new clear coat over the rest of the car and the new flames.

I have always seen pearl paints used because they are some what reflective in a way.

I have a 66 Mustang so I go to a lot of clasic car shows and see all kinds of flame jobs.

I think the pearl paints are the best for doing ghost stuff.

But thats just me.

Good luck with what ever you do.

Bill

 

[laserbluemp5]

I'll post pics of the flames when my car gets back from the shop .
That should be any day now ! I can,t wait.

 

[brokemp3]

ghost flames do not just have to be a pearl. they can be any. color. they are made by lightly shading the flame pattern so all you see is the outline, and it fades into the base coat. translucent paint like pearls and kandies work good. it can also be done with cosmic glo paints by house of color its a really cool affect at night( i do custom airbrushing and painting on the side)

 

[Black Majik MSP]

We saw a really nice A4 at NOPI that had the 4 Audi rings painted on the side in a ghost fashion. It was really sweet!

 

[derrick1623]

my "roll call" is 'ghost', the sticker shop matched my car to their vinyl, and they are invisable at night, or in a shadow.

 

[FunkyBuddha]

This is mine. I don't know bout the ghosting effect, but it's hard to see w/o coming up to the car or in direct light.