Kafka Ol' Skool, Part 2/2, 5/2/09

Steve Kafka demonstrates Ol' Skool pinstriping

[@codman2010killer]

I'm 15 and have been striping for about 2 years now with only mack brushes and found everything i did was straight and long because that's what they do best. So after i watched a few of the videos and saw how easy these brushes look i bought the grid (True life saver) and your 0, 1, and 3 brushes and absolutely love them. I'm glad to see that someone like you is not so stuck up to not share a trick or to like some arrogant pinstripers in my area. Thanks So Much!!

[@R1GAMBLER]

hope you're still at it wildman!

[@GorillaWriter]

Mr. Kafka, im always just blown away by your work. But thats the mark of a true legend, isnt it? I love having fellas like Mr. Kafka in my life. Wise, has one to many stories, and always willing to help. Im a youngster who likes to believe that Im a pretty accomplished artist, so ive always had a passion and appreciation for linework. Im also a huge car guy, so naturally, hot rod art had to take a spot in my life. As the next generation, I hope to keep the artform alive and pay homage to legends

[@mrbuggin]

Thank you Mr. Kafka for these videos. I am learning alot from watching these as I am starting to learn how to stripe. Keep up the awesome work! And thanks for the knowledge your sharing and the inspiration.

[@ramboosurfer]

Keep this up. Ijust started to pinstrip and didnt know how to loosen the bislses. Lucky for me My wife bought me your brush and low and behold you just showed me that . on this segment,and you showed me what kind of pencils to use. I will go out and purches all your aquipment . I am starting to pinstripe my surfboards. thank you sir.

[@kafkapinstriping]

I did workshops at the Eastwood Co for a couple of years ,they were very successful but Eastwood got mad because I started selling product to Summit Racing and dropped most of my products and the seminars,go figure. As soon as the Von Dutch Bus restoration is finished I'll start doing seminars again. Steve

[@fkalley]

So cool!! I've been tattooing for 23 years and just now I"m wanting to pinstripe my Streetglide! This is soooooo helpful and inspirational !! Thank you Steve!!!

[@kafkapinstriping]

@dutchysvids Please watch the u-tube video and take note of the palleting , there are 4 videos ,also make sure the brush is cleaned in lacquer thinner then mineral spirits,and stored with my brush oil this should solve your problem ,if not get back to me and I'll take care of it . Regards, Steve

[@ts4864]

Steve, Just bought the brush.. found it on summit racing for a great price! I have never ever used a brush before. ive only been pinstriping since christmas when my fiance bought me that beugler pinstriping tool. but i love this brush! i rocked it like a pro the first time i tried it. great product. cant wait to see more videos from you! Thanks ,Vince

[@groundforce1]

Excellent quality! Love the old school off white and red. Thanks for sharing your skill set.

[@bLaZeThEkRaZe]

Please bring the vids back Steve! We love em!

[@southrock3375]

Steve, thank you for the time you put to help others, you offer so much.

[@kafkapinstriping]

Thanks for the positive comments, and I'm glad your having fun. Mack brushes have been around for a while , but seem to frustrate new artists., which is a shame ,they think they have to learn the old way . Truth is Von Dutch ,and most of the older guys never used them, actually hated them and told others so. there seems to be a mind set to learn with a mack brush because the old guys did ,why punish yourself? Have fun! Steve

[@Mogs716]

I've never really been into the scroll brushing, I've always leaned more towards the Ol' Skool ways and I've been watching your videos here... All I can say is Wow! You're so awesome at just about anything pinstriping. I really like your grid maker and seeing your brushes in action have reall made me want to pick up a few and give them a try. they seem very versatile... Might just wanna make me give scroll brushing a whirl. Thanks and keep up the god work!!

[@kafkapinstriping]

Hi Phill, I'm finding more and more people of all age groups that are getting involved in hand pinstriping everyday , it's inspirational to show them the way. For tears pro's kept everything to themselves , now things are differentI'm having fun with the successes of others.Nice to hear from you, Regards, Steve ,

[@1citybuilder]

Thanks Mr. Kafka for your great video! Also love your commentary.. Little nuggets of information such as mentioning Tommy the Greek and the fact this used to called "Dutching" and so on..

[@wilcoxblues27]

@kafkapinstriping yeah i've got one and it's wonderful. thanks for putting the videos up i love watching a master at work and i've learned a lot, so keep 'em coming

[@MrGotsquashed]

@kafkapinstriping Thanks for replying! I think I have somewhat mastered the art of the flame (MACK 00), but the designs you do are way over my head. When you take it from the beginning, and go piece by piece, it's a little easier to follow. I am going to check out my local sign painter's shop soon to pick up a new brush!! The type of brush I used (unsteady) was just a liner brush. I still use it for touch ups in hard-to get to areas.

[@kafkapinstriping]

@MisfitSince85 It really depends what your using for a pencil,If you use an omnichrome like I do you would use windex after the piece dies ,with a micro-fiber cloth

[@kafkapinstriping]

I really appreciate the positive input , thank you. Macks have been around along time and have a purpose for some people , they tend to frustrate people trying to learn the art form , so we recommend trhe scroller series, and get great results.It's like comparing a tractor to a mule and plow. Have funSAteve

[@kafkapinstriping]

@olafthedestroyer The lacquer thinner is only used to clean the brush ,between colors or when your finished painting, always finish with clean spirits then oil to store . Hope this helps you . I'll help any time I can. I used to do seminars at Eastwood Co in Pa. but they don't want to any more. Have fun striping, Regards, Steve

[@kafkapinstriping]

Hi Vince, Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you're having a great time with the #3. Try some of the other pinstriping equipment that I've designed for the art form and I think you'll be equally impressed. If I can help just ask. Best regards, Steve

[@designasaur5354]

What brush did you use here?

[@gunlakepaddlesports]

I took your advice and tried your brushes, grid, and smooth stroke. (had a bunch of one shot) Recently semi retired, haven't touched a pinstripe brush since my first try with the industry standard years ago..... can't put them down, your words are 100% true! Reminds me of going from Pasche to Iwata air brushes.... game changer! Thank you!!

[@jackdub75]

It's nice to see that you make mistakes, or should I say, you don't worry about perfect symmetry. Your stuff still comes out badass and if I didn't watch it, I propbably wouldn't even notice. Thanks for sharing these great videos!

[@kafkapinstriping]

After the paint has dried,spray a micro-fiber with Windex and wipe gently, I use omnichromes,they don't melt.

[@kafkapinstriping]

I'm glad you tried it again, now try it for Ol Skool design work, you will love the versatility of this brush, and yes it does flatten the learning curve for beginners, I wish they were around when I started, when nobody would give you the time of day much less actually help you in any way. Have fun and thanks for the comment, Steve

[@elbertmorales420]

Steve Kafka I love your work just bought your Grid awesome kits & wizard vortex #1 brush can't wait to buy more of your brushes

[@kafkapinstriping]

After removing the sizing from the hair of the brush with mineral spirits,and properly palleting ,this brush should be used in a more upright position, not using more than one fourth of the tip, which ,when palleted properly, will come to a tight point, you'll be smiling when it happens

[@DanTheFordFixer]

thanks for for taking the time steve

[@19aries81]

love this work, I've no idea about pinstriping but I would love to give it ago

[@7eather]

Did you ever get started? 😁

[@EpiyonVSwingzero]

videos are awesome, incredible work

[@kafkapinstriping]

@CBrusich I can't figure this out ,No it doesn't make any differance at all as long as you have my brushes!. Steve

[@shadowhunter6419]

you're really talented Mr. Kafka. steady hand at that. great job!

[@theozman38]

Great ideas wow. I don’t know How to paint or anything like this. If I tried flames it’ll probably look like an octopus 🐙. Lol. Great hand work.

[@bradleyrollins63]

i'm an airbrush guy that always had an undying respect for the strippers and letterers, great to watch! i'm going to try to learn some basics. Awesome!!!!

[@kafkapinstriping]

@disturbedrocker1 I have no experience with their product line , I would assume you clean the brush until all the color is gone then use my brush oil ,lay the brush flat when not in use. Steve

[@frankesteen2466]

I am interested in learning this technique, it seems very interesting to me apart from the practice that another advice can give me to start ... at 51 years old ...

[@backyardbikes]

@kafkapinstriping Thank you Steve. I got to order some new brushes from you after christmas. Thank you. John

[@KFLY67]

Hey steve I been practicing with fine felt pins just to get the pattern down on paper. I started yesterday and I have gotten it down I and going to attempt using the brush now. .

[@kafkapinstriping]

@MrGotsquashed You are physically no different than the thousands of others that use these brushes for all types of striping, keep trying and you will see how versatile and comfortable this brush design can be, I also make a shorter version called The Short Stroke that you might enjoy. Make sure the sizing is out of the brush, and give it a second chance , you won't regret it. Regards, Steve

[@Ketnet01]

about a week ago I bought the starter kit. I totally suck at it :p but I'm having a blast! just to damn fun :) thx for the great video's man!

[@kafkapinstriping]

@oneslowride To start I would recommend "the System" I have sold many and have had great results. Just a brush ,the #3 scroller, Watch all of the videos, and if I can help just ask. Steve

[@Bayan1905]

I bought a Mack brush (back before I saw any of these and when I was just starting) then I got a #3 of yours and a few others. I have never picked up the Mack again. It's hard for me being partially disabled and left handed (and the disability and nerve damage is in my left hand and arm but I actually find the practice therapeutic and I am getting better, don't know if i will ever get good enough to do any work with it, but I only just started. I hope to someday get good enough to do my truck.

[@southrock3375]

Push brother , I know what you mean, you'll get there as I hope I well, good luck to your future.

[@kafkapinstriping]

you would always remove Grid lines. After drying time of a couple hours wipe with a micro-fiber cloth sprayed with Windex ,gently Steve

[@kafkapinstriping]

Some people trim the handle, the only time trimming the hair is recommended is when there is an errant hair. This brush is a corvette amongst model T'S

[@kafkapinstriping]

@thesoria1 Well, I use mineral spirits for thinning the paint,and lacquer thinner to clean the brush between colors

[@SILVERHORSE347]

THE GRID REALLY HELPS KEEP THINGS EVEN AND STRAIGHT.

[@Califormula]

I think I just found my new favorite art form!!! Thanks for the info O.G

[@kafkapinstriping]

My wife hounds me about punctuation too,I've only been doing this for about six weeks .Did you like the video? have you tried the brush? regards,Steve

[@cybercosis]

Thank you Steve! Awesome work, love to watch you work! Look forward to more of these types of vids!

[@Thestripper1]

How do you get rid of the grid when you are done painting the piece?

[@ColliAirbrush]

Good job sir....

[@kafkapinstriping]

Your asking the maker of the best brush to learn with if I think it's a good idea to use a brush that will make you want to quit?This is the recipe for disaster,and frustration when trying to learn this art form. Lots of people are told that they must learn to use a Mack brush. Von Dutch NEVER used any Mack brush, he was outspoken about how much he HATED them. Try my #3 scroller that comes with the "System"that I suggested you will learn this beautiful art form and have a good time doing it..

[@wilcoxblues27]

These are the best brushes ever, i have a scroller, a scriptliner, and a longliner and they all work phenomenally. I will never go back to using a mack again. and how much and how many sheets are in a pack of plastisheen?

[@daveoneshot5681]

Always fun to re-visit these older videos and catch up .......I grab my Kafka stripers first.

[@kafkapinstriping]

@Browneffectscc Please get the System it is a fast track method to learn. Steve

[@kafkapinstriping]

The brush is one of my original designs called a Signature Series Scroller size #3 ,it also comes in #0,#1 ,#5, & #6, and shorter version called the "Short Stroke"" which is a shortened #3 for smaller hands. This brush helps to flatten the learning curve of this fantastic art form, available worldwide,or try my site, have fun!

[@chinzito]

Absolutely awesome! I said wow out loud 3 times!!! What kind of brush is that? How can I use a grid on when striping something like furniture?

[@kafkapinstriping]

@CBrusich Most of the famous artists are south paws , in striping , John Hannucaine,comes to mind.They just work right to left

[@Garagerat.]

i have always loved pinstripes and next summer im going to try pinstriping, going to buy all in1 starter kit....any tips to starters?

[@simosklonari4919]

Man you ROCK! Thenx for the help

[@kafkapinstriping]

Check out the new Short Stroke I think you"ll enjoy it . Steve

[@snoopu2601]

I just have to go to the dollar tree and buy the biggest frame glass picture and paint it black on one side to have a practice sheet of glass to paint on with the 1shot I'll get two colors to start out with red and white, I've been watching videos and most say stay away from black when first starting out which is my favorite color I always use when lettering! But pinstriping is a whole diffrent skill set. I like how you drew down a grid first to have some type of lines to follow or help keep everything even I would have just tried to do everything by eyeing it. To have a grid keeps all the lines evenly to the eye I guess they sip off after the paint dries wax pencil? Write the grid very light

[@kafkapinstriping]

@wilcoxblues27 Thank you so much! Hearing about your enthusiasm is what keeps me motivated to keep developing more useful tools of the trade. . Plastisheen comes in packs of 25. I just released my new lettering brushes, Lily and I just did a video ,with more to come on u-tube, you would love them too. If I can help ,just ask. Regards, Steve Steve

[@erikneva6434]

You're awesome great music sir.

[@kafkapinstriping]

@KFLY67 Great, Have fun and let me know if you need any help. Steve

[@snoopu2601]

Right on your video help me out a lot and I haven't even laid one lik down yet but the way you laid it down made me feel I can do it. I been using RUSTOLUME paints waterd down running line's and they look great now the 1shot paint I should feel like superman laying down line's 👍🏼

[@stevekafka]

SNOOP U 2 hope so!

[@snoopu2601]

@@stevekafka yeah Mon I bought the one shot kit and a few brushes, still practicing, it is some durable paint I painted a snoopy the flying Ace on a stainless steel drinking cup and the picture is still on the cup after a lot of washes. I'm still practicing on laying down some pin stripping in no way I'm a professional but I'm laying licks on a lot of boxes, a leather vest and my work bench and any one that wants me to pin strip some thing.

[@kafkapinstriping]

@ramboosurfer It is my pleasure to help when needed,enjoy yourself. Steve

[@TheSiner4life]

Awsome work like always

[@kafkapinstriping]

@chamoco1 Perseverance ,It's the key. Don't worry it will all be worth the effort, let me know if I can help. Steve

[@shanekrumwiede2202]

got the brush and love it.

[@Garagerat.]

this is the set :Mack Sword Touch Up, Typhoon Scroll, 1Shot Lettering Enamel 2x, and some other small stuff...what do you think? 50 euros only

[@stevekafka]

Garage rat if the paint is worth the price ,because those brushes are not what you should try to learn with!

[@Garagerat.]

@@stevekafka i did buy the kit back in the day and learned the hard way. I did learn some but it was a pain for long time. Tried to trim the brush for what tought was a good. But that went south as expected. Should buy new brush to start again. When i got (some) hang of the striping it was a blast. Now i havent had practise in few years. What brush should i try next.

[@stevekafka]

Garage rat stick with a plan that works , only let me know if you have questions this time, and I’ll try to get you through it, use the same brush that you trimmed.

[@kafkapinstriping]

these are available for 100.00 each just let us know which one steve

[@multifrogstar]

Dang Steve Yur My Hero! I gotta get me a starters kit. Thanks

[@kafkapinstriping]

If you run into any problems just ask and I'll try to help. All of the tools of the trade that I make are available on steve kafka.com. Glad to see someone such as yourself striping,sorry to hear about you M/C accident,I'm picking up a 55 pan in about two weeks ,hardtail kicker, I've been riding since I was 16 this is my first Pan, at last!Regards, Steve

[@chamoco1]

your a bad ass steve so smooth. i was having better results but hit a snag, I guess you have to have off days once in awhile.

[@kafkapinstriping]

Get the "System ", watch the Monte Roach video, study the art until you start, pinhead lounge is a good source

[@kafkapinstriping]

@chamoco1 All of my pinstriping equipment is available @ steve kafka.com. Request ba catalog with your order. Steve

[@MrGotsquashed]

Using this type of brush for me has produced unsteady results, but I use a shorter type. With more bristles, I guess it's more like a striping brush.

[@missbettie100]

you are amazing! I have learned alot from you..thank you so much!

[@kafkapinstriping]

Everything that I make is available at all the regular places, all over the internet,even on obvious sites. If you need help,just ask.

[@kafkapinstriping]

@backyardbikes It sounds like your on your way to fame and glory,just keep practicing,it'll all pan out ! Steve

[@backyardbikes]

I like Kafka brushes I got to git some more.

[@chamoco1]

i need your catalog thanks sweet work

[@shhhanigirl]

I'm sure you told us, but...which brush are you using?

[@oneslowride]

I have been to your site. What brushes do you recommend for someone just starting out? I am ordering one shot, but need some brushes to spread the paint out and not sure where to begin.

[@shanekrumwiede580]

ok i'm getting tthat brush.

[@tratrawade]

After watching your videos I ordered the #3 scroller because I want to be able to turn/do curves more easily. I found it to be very fat. Do I need to cut it down??

[@rsherbon]

What kind of paint do you use and where can I buy the additive that you put in the paint... I think you called it smooth stroke?

[@backyardbikes]

@kafkapinstriping I got to start saveing some cash so I can order some more pinstripeing brushes now all I have is to stripeing brushes your scroll brush and sorry a mack 00. I use the Kafka more on my bikes and soon my welding helmet after I paint it.

[@kafkapinstriping]

@dutchysvids Never under any circumstances use sand paper on any of my brushes to break them in .You need to tell the person who told you this what I've said so he doesn't tell anyone else.The brushes come with a sizing that comes out quickly with cheap lacquer thinner .The escalator your speaking of ,is that my smooth stroke? It's a gloss and flow enhancer and fish-eye eliminator , also makes your work more marr resistant ,you'll feel the paint flow better as soon as you try it . Regards, Steve

[@zoltec88]

RESPECT !!

[@NateJ125]

your brushes are way better than Macs

[@joeraines8836]

Please excuse my ignorance, im very much an old dog,trying to learn more trix,where can I buy a brush,have worn out a piece of glass trying too turn a mack, thanks in advance JR

[@dennisschell5543]

Steve Kafka .com.....He sells all you need with excellent service! 😎

[@bonnivilleblackcherry9745]

got to an arts store (not a box store like Michaels). I was ordering my paint from the interweb to only find out a little while ago of a art store downtown in my city. The paint is on average 40-55% cheaper and the brushes were the same price canadian as marked in US dollars on US sites. So thats on average 25% less.

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

Is this guy still around? How do you do the grid?

[@aristidesargotpub2856]

he , teacher, I want to buy your Mack pinpistring brushes .I'm writing to from BsAs. Argentina. Plestmityu Best!

[@kafkapinstriping]

Aristides ARGOTPUB these are Kafka brushes ,go to steve kafka.com to order.

[@aristidesargotpub2856]

I love it! Please Time...

[@fayc3fk3r]

What size brush you using here? I picked up a 0, 1, and 3 yesterday, the 3 was wicked thick though... Mind you, yesterday was the first ever time I've attempted pinstriping, lol.

[@stevekafka]

Fayce Fker get the sizing out with hardware store lacquer thinner,!

[@funbutuseless]

what brush is this?

[@kafkapinstriping]

PLEASE KEEP AT IT UNTIL YOU DON'T SUCK ANYMORE, IF i CAN HELP LET ME KNOW, GLAD YOUR HAVING FUN, IT GETS EVEN BETTER.

[@Sneakerfan_Chris]

What # scroller brush is this??

[@Lowlifebiker666]

So far it's pretty hard..........