Wet On Wet Flame Technique by Steve Kafka

Steve demonstrates the wet on wet flame design on a Harley half shell

[@kafkapinstriping]

Doing these videos is a great outlet for me to share my knowledge and experiences doing this art form successfully for quite a long time. I want everybody to enjoy it as I have.

[@kafkapinstriping]

This art form is so much fun you really don't get nervous, especially after forty years developing your own style it kind of flows out of the brush!

[@ebsell]

It amazes me how an accomplished artist like yourself can make it look so easy.

[@slydogman740]

Nice to see people still go old school techniques insuch a modern world of technology...True art comes from the soul; not a computer!

[@EricTViking]

That was really therapeutic to watch - thanks.

[@kafkapinstriping]

Thanks for acknowledging my efforts, I'm just getting started, glad to help. Steve

[@markjolyn94]

Wow! The memories that brings back from all the old car shows I went to as a kid in LA. Your work is absolutely amazing,and you rank right up there with Big Daddy and the rest. I am planning on getting your system now more than ever. I can't wait to get started in a new career at 58 lol. I couldn't believe I found you on youtube. I am now totally stoked. Thanks for being on here and taking the time to show the restbof us how to do it right. Take care

[@peterbrink373]

I'm inspired by you. I've wanted to do this since I was a teenager, I'm 57. Thanks Steve

[@stevekafka]

peter brink I’ve started teaching people that we’re 75 years old, and their having a blast five years later!

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

There's nothing like watching a master at work.

[@chubbawubba505]

Steve I just wanted to say thanks for everything you do and how you share with all of us on your youtube page. I recently found out that the Napa genuine paint store here in Albuquerque has started carrying your brushes and products and I am ecstatic so rest assured every time I get paid I will be adding a new Kafka product to my striping box. Once again thank you.

[@palomino13]

i met mr. kafka at the ruidoso nm. show he mentioned.when he talks prices he not only does not exaggerate but may be a bit modest. i was airbrushing pretty close to his area. i never seen anyone make money with his hands like that. i did not know striping at the time and i educated myself .down to earth .hats off to you sir.

[@kafkapinstriping]

Gino left us several years ago,died while sitting at a bus stop ,very sad.

[@dennisturnage]

I have been using paasche vl,s for 35 years now,,i also use vega 2000s and a couple of badger anthems..but all in all I have made the most money with the vl. Nice videos...bringing back old school memories.

[@bullybreed2151]

you are my new hero i put you up there with Dennis Anderson. your videos and commentary are so helpful. I just starting to pic up the brush but its my favorite new hobby and watching you make your art is so amazing thanks to u and your family for video taping

[@robinchapman7125]

Love learning new old school techniques, from a true pro, and supporter of the art, very inspiring.

[@samkarstens]

Hey Steve, your videos have always inspired me. I used to live in Deer Valley...now I live at Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Ive been striping and sign writing for about 5 years and I learn something new about the craft every day! Im happy you make these videos and share your knowledge the way you do. I own several of your brushes but have yet to try my hand at your quills. I will be ordering soon! Next time im in AZ I will come say hi! Thanks for all you do! Sam

[@seandwyer2020]

Pretty damn impressive. You make it look so easy and as a guy with some experience around paint, I am fully aware that I will be cursing myself for some time to come when I give this technique a try. you do great work Steve, thank you.

[@tedmcgirr6469]

Steve, I'm fairly new to the craft and I have to say, not only are your videos helpful but you keep them from being over-instructive (and boring) by your smooth mix of anecdotes. I've learned a lot from you already...thanks so much!

[@kafkapinstriping]

It pays the bills and is a blast to do, you just might want to give it a try!

[@kafkapinstriping]

It seems that anyone that truly LOVES what they do will give that impression.

[@clemsontigz1]

Youve been my inspiration for what I do, i'm based out of South Carolina and your brushes , techniques etc.. have fed my family and I and, given me a very respectable name in the business , as I type this I can't help but think , most folks reading this would be shocked if they knew the author. 😉. Thanks again O'l man , you've always been and will be my hero.

[@stevekafka]

clemsontigz1 thank you so much for the kind words,and I’m proud to be a hero for you.

[@tudychan1]

Just makes me wanna drop everything and pick up some paint and a brush and go to town your amazing so inspirational please keep posting don't forget about your fans would love to meet with you one day

[@stevekafka]

Cali2japan have been away with medical problems , now stayin away from the virus, I’ll be back soon, thanks for the kind words.

[@geodes4u]

Thank you for sharing. Keep these videos coming. I learn something new with each one. Your kwills and liners just arrived via UPS. Can't wait to try them on the next job. The Mack is really sheddin, so they arrived just in time. Thanks again.

[@baqnblaq2003]

Awesome. Very cool techinque. I've painted alot of flames in my life. This is so simple and cost affective. I'm going to have to try this. Thanks!

[@tobylutter2848]

Steve, I've learned SO much from your videos on here. I've watched every single one. If I could ask one more thing of you though... PLEASE PLEASE make more videos!! They are amazing!

[@stevekafka]

I’m looking for another venue other than you tube, one person has too much control over anything produced. I very anxious to produce more, I have lots of ideas.

[@niteflyer3380]

Commander Kafka... your talents are noted and appreciated... thank you Sir...

[@jimwilliam6892]

Hey Steve, loved this video, and I learned so much. I can see that I haven't been using the tip of the brush enough. Cheers! Jimmi - UK

[@sixeightysixxbl4800]

Now I have to go to my garage and dig out my stuff! This video makes me want to paint! Awesome job

[@buddyparrot1]

Truly inspiring to see master work. You make it look easy!

[@kiltedvampire]

A true master! A pleasure to watch. It has been a long time since I saw you last. Late eighties.....

[@kafkapinstriping]

Car wax or good polish is recommended to protect and put a shine on the work. We have been working on making these for a while, only proto-types so far. Eastwood and Coast Airbrush have them and will ship them to you. They are in place of albums at shows to show my skills and styles. Cheers, Steve

[@kafkapinstriping]

I can't believe you don't get this ! My local bike mechanic didn't either. This is for Old Skool low budget ,do it at a bike show in a couple of hours for about $1250.00 ,the guy rides it home to enjoy, the layout looks great from ten feet away and everybody is happy, no worries about the rock chip in your $6500+ clearcoated masterpiece, I ride mine a bunch and everybody loves it. If your ten year old does stuff that looks like one of my layouts, I'd be interested in seeing them.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

I will try it Steve. Thank you for sharing your skills, talents, knowledge and insights about this amazing Art form. Best wishes. Two thumbs up to the camera lady too!

[@CAphotos]

Nice job! I remember watching you work at various events in Southern California in the late 1980's, early 90's. My ex-wife was one of the women that did motorcycle windshield etching.

[@stevekafka]

CAphotos lots of fun back then, hope you wife is doing well

[@CAphotos]

@@stevekafka We divorced back in 1997. I've since remarried (20 years now) and the ex remarried and moved to Costa Rica.

[@bradleyrollins63]

i can't stop watching this! friggin beautiful! Thank you for the demo

[@rharley5652]

One of the greats right here in this video,.. thanks for the tips !!

[@romac53]

Thanx. Great tips, great old school work!

[@tubergenmotorsports4193]

Thanks much Steve! Gives me a great place to start. Still working on my freehand pinstripeing, not as easy as you make it look.

[@mortenhansen3455]

That's the cool thing about pin striping. When you get that first great result after hours of doing practice and do all the wrongs. But then you finally get it right and you just wanna lean back and stair at it for hours. What I personally love about one shot paint, is the instant coverage of color, because the paint is so rich. Like the color yellow. Buy artistic acrylic yellows for example. They almost are always transparent to begin with and you have to paint multi layers just to get a pure yellow color. But one shot yellow is right there, strong in color in the first stroke. You just gotta love that! Hope you have made progress and that you are doing some cool work!

[@drewlanekustom]

really nice quickie! have fun with it at Ruidoso! I'm a fellow rider and striper from Clovis. I had seen some really nice examples of your work on some baggers there. And all this time I coulda seen ya at Ruidoso. Small world.

[@stevekafka]

Drew Lane they new owners destroyed that show, I won’t be going back..

Great guy to share this technique!

[@milmex317th]

So cool , like that background music. I want this on my sportster tank.

[@1citybuilder]

I really love this, and you are a great teacher too! Keep up the good work! ~John from Sunnyvale, Ca.

[@dennisschell5543]

I feel guilty getting this great instruction for free.....Thanks Steve!!!

[@Waterman-wv2jx]

Holidays. Haven't heard that in a while. Great video Steve.

[@kafkapinstriping]

After the work dries and the client waxes them they really aren't noticed. People look at the design more then inspecting the finish. They are down n dirty flames that everyone can afford and enjoy, they are a blast to do and everybody is happy.

[@kafkapinstriping]

KEEP IN MIND THE TIME SPENT LEARNING THIS FANTASTIC ART FORM IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE

[@kafkapinstriping]

My plan is to start seminars as soon as the Von Dutch Bus Restoration project is finished. This will be well publicized ,I've done them for several years and have had tremendous results. I've never tried the Iwatas but my friend Charles Armstrong is going to show me some new tricks with one so who knows!

[@dogbuggy32]

back in the day we lived more ...this was a lot of fun !

[@kafkapinstriping]

I've been spraying One Shot lettering enamel for many years with great success. I thin it with lacquer thinner to the right consistency and use the wet on wet technique. Steve

[@johnmuttley]

steve thats is amazing work i wish i could find somene with your TALENT here in Ireland thanks for posting

[@stevekafka]

johnmuttley copperthwaite you have Shamrocker over there!

[@kafkapinstriping]

There are quite a few factors at play here ; how clean is the work, how well do the designs work on the space, how many colors are involved, what price guidlines has the client set. I set most of the pricing on the show circuit for many years, now I ask the client how much they can afford to spend on the whole job. It gets all of the guidelines set before the work begins and cuts through all of the B.S. this of course is after colors and areas have been chosen. this works out best for all .

[@sandrojosedeoliveira5320]

Mr Kafka, the best................obrigado pela aula

[@alansm136]

Very Nice Steve. Your brushes hold a lot of paint for nice long strokes. End result is nice. And You and Bob are starting to stir up a few thoughts in me of getting back into swinging a brush again. Been doing the vinyl thing for too long now. I'm going to test myself and see what I can still (or can't do) I see a lot of practice sessions though.

[@sammyrussell936]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you much Brother. Great tip. I'm gonna try this on a guitar body next week. Great time to try my new pinstripe brush.

[@yogi2.057]

Super cool stuff Steve! Thanks.

[@SuperMoose81]

well done. keep up the good work and keep makeing customers happy...

[@dougg1075]

You’re a master sir! Thanks for the lesson

[@jmlang1958]

Enjoyed watching. My Father was a sign painter in Sedona, perhaps you might know him. Dave Lang "Lang Signs"

[@johnhenke6475]

You're a true artists.

[@DIRTYDAG]

Cool vid Steve! I just learned about using linseed oil to get rid of brush strokes when painting larger areas like that. Stays wet for a while and blends are awesome! More ideal for shop work and not so much for the shows as it takes longer to dry.hope your wearing shorts....lol

[@sidneypendergrass9688]

The flexible fat Bob tank halves , how mutch do the cost? They look like they would be perfect to practice technics stripping, flames , leafing , and what ever you can come up with . Thank you for your knowledge and video.

[@HarleyTom53]

Like your old school! me been doing custom paint for yrs love 1 shot,, One of my jobs was a custom mx helmet yrs ago I did all the prep/ base/ graphics/ hand pin stripe and then hand lettered his race number on the top of helmet white color 1 shot,, then I sprayed clear urethane over all,, the brush marks on the race numbers disrepair, sorry I mis-spelled, lol I love your work and good that some of us old schools still use Badger,, lol..

[@onecrofly]

Great stuff! I think I could do this. I have a steady hand and airbrush .... Just need to read and watch more of your videos,to know what brushes I need to get started. Cost per say for a set. Keep stroking the paint!

[@Bayan1905]

I think I now have a post retirement hobby and income maker. I may have to do things a little different (permanently disabled) but I am certainly going to give this a try. Just waiting until payday to order a brush and a few goodies to get started!

[@spookybaba]

True quality. Lovely stuff!

[@BirdOfParadise777]

Would you make a vid of your small table, how it's laid out and what you put on it or attach to it? (If you haven't already.) Your "set up." The "wet on wet" part is kinda confusing, is it the airbrushing on the base paint? Is the base paint one that you have created to sell? I'm new to this and parts of what you say is "Greek" so far but, I'll get it, sooner or later! lol Thank you for making these awesome videos:)

[@eribertoacedo9505]

Hello from Ramona California I also do wet on wet what are used to clean between my artwork is alcohol and distilled water works great for everything just thought I’d mention that I do my own work Customindesign. on my hot rod, & 1950 FL PAN an some friends as well anyway keep up the good work.🕶

[@bigwu100]

Old school. I love it I'll do scallops on my bike using this method. Steady hands I sappose is an asset.

[@stevekafka]

Bigwu post pictures please

[@bigwu100]

👌

[@shanecrokett4265]

Thanks for the lesson, going for 1st. time flame job on HD 54 Pan. base is rat rod satin black, with high gloss flames. can only hope to come out half as good as yours. Cal. kid also my inspiration. will buy your stencil kit from Eastwood to make things easier. You are a true master, would gladly pay 250 for Kafka flame job. and I'm not rich at all.

[@stevekafka]

Shane Crokett I don’t make a stencil kit, and Eastwood has dropped 75% of my items out of spite...

[@corecustomgraphics]

Hi Steve, I am just starting out learning how to do custom graphics and I love your videos and tools that you have available for beginners like me. I really love the old school style of the wet on wet process and just want to know what type of brush you are using to do the fill color of the flames? Thanks in advance and I look forward to additional turtorials as I find them very informative and useful!

[@stevekafka]

corecustomcreative I go over all that in the video...stevekafka.com size five kwill

[@Turco949]

Mr Kafka, have you ever considered conducting classes or creating online course material where people can watch to actually learn? At least a video sharing your tips and tricks with beginners on what to do/buy/not do, best practices etc.?

[@stevekafka]

Turco949 I have recently finished the restoration of Von Dutch’s bus ,as soon as it finds its new home I will be conducting one day seminars here in Phoenix during the cooler months, it will be announced.

[@Turco949]

@@stevekafka Thank you! I am in CA but have family in Phoenix so I might be able to make the trip especially if you have any scheduled on weekend.

[@DanJR0422]

wow I love doing flames not easy to draw but getting there

[@kafkapinstriping]

The process has been used by Signwriters for years to create highlights on hand lettering , Cartooning is done the same way ,the brushstrokes are secondary to the overall design, and this will shine when waxed, I think the brushstrokes make it the anti computer generated old skool flame job that everyone can afford, and again they are a blast to do. All the paint used is lettering enamel for exterior hand -painted signs and hand pinstriping , anytime you need help, just ask.

[@dimetimetom]

i love watching you work.. been dabbling with striping off and on for a while but now at 30 i really see the true beauty in the old school arts. where do you recommend buying the 1shot paints and your brushes. i have been using HoK because it's the only paint i can find locally. Please more videos :)

[@stevekafka]

dimetimetom try Dick blick

[@HAZYCUSTOMS]

Hi Steve, I've been watching your videos and I must say they're real inspiring. I've been wanting to learn how to stripe for ages can you recommend just a few basic supplies to start off with? I like the look of your signature series by the way and I'm based in the UK. Many thanks Ritchie

[@stevekafka]

Ritchie Newell please go to stevekafka.com ,and check out the “System” lots have learned with it.

[@stevekafka]

Ritchie Newell in the past few years A.S. Handover of London sells all of my products.

[@TheJonnyrock13]

another great video! what kind of wax would you recommend to put over the design?

[@studeblu]

Steve you are amazing. Gino Walters and I came to your place in 1981 and you striped a Chevy truck for me. You did a great job and I can see you still have not lost it. You also did a Gold wing for me. I would like to contact Gino have not heard from him in years Thanks Jerry Kaiser

[@kafkapinstriping]

I use One Shot for everything, thinned with lacquer thinner for airbrush work.

[@libbietriche608]

Great video....it has been a huge help....Thanks

[@dalemasyk1583]

lol just noticed this is a very old video , however i like it ...never heard of wet on wet hehehe as i am learnin the airbrush tips n trick etc. i will certainly give this a try pretty fckin cool tks

[@tyivie5]

steve cool as always. thanks for the time. where can we see the von dutch bus ? is it done yet?

[@stevekafka]

travis ivie it’s finished ,looking for a new home.

[@Cre8iveSignWorks]

nice 1 steve! when you say wax do you mean wax as in bees wax for furniture or wax as in wax polish for cars?.......i dont know coz we probably call it something different in australia. also, ive never seen those shells before... are they available for most makes and models? they are a fabulous idea, so now i want to get stuck into slappin some paint down on these babies myself! cheers mate

[@stevekafka]

Shedz Channel car wax

[@kafkapinstriping]

Go for it ,I'm here if you need help, you will not regret it I promise!

[@fredhoffman4293]

Love your videos. What brush did you use to fill in the flame design?

[@stevekafka]

Fred Hoffman didn’t I say the size in the beginning?

[@amberhenson1920]

Awesome job. One quick question... where do you get those plastic practice tanks?

[@stevekafka]

Amber Henson coast airbrush in anaheim

[@amberhenson1920]

@@stevekafka oh cool thanks.

[@kafkapinstriping]

I'm leaving Wed. am for the spring show I've been at the Sept. show 34 years. I sell some brushes there but mostly have a ball striping bikes of all types. Make sure you say Hi if your there. Steve

[@kafkapinstriping]

Your age is unimportant only your desire to learn counts.

[@schenoy1]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing

[@kafkapinstriping]

Eastwood used to sell them ,I don't know now. Coast Airbrush has several types for sale on their site, Have fun,

[@ScottyBlogs]

Great Demo Steve! I'm a beginner when it comes to pinstriping, Could you recommend an enamel, or an enamel substitute, for learning how to stripe so I could avoid wasting so much good material :)

[@stevekafka]

Scott Stofko just use 1-shot ,when you get good the price of materials is insignificant trust me...

[@retiredle8139]

was it enamel paint you also used in the airbrush? What size and type of brush did you use for this video? when loading your paint on the brush is the paint on a piece of paper or ??? Thanks Ron

[@Someflyingdude]

Great work, looking forward to trying out the brushes. How do you care for the brushes, I may be using them for Acrylic paints to start; if they work with them.. Thanks

[@kafkapinstriping]

Palleting, after much practice, will feel the same regardless of humidity, or arid climates, wind,heat , or cold, once you have what works best for you and your brush, and make the adjustments by adding thinner or paint to achieve the same feeling in the brush. Watch the videos ,its all how it feels. Good luck, Steve

[@kelliethoms4381]

What brand of paint did you use for this? Is that the same in the airbrush but thinned out?

[@mwiggins69]

I'm going to have to try this

[@ekimstrom]

awesome, thanks for showing

[@kafkapinstriping]

Thank you , I will adjust my cape and do some more!!

[@ebsell]

I went to a local store to get some 1 shot paint because i want to try pinstriping and they were getting out of the paint supplies,i ended up buying 29 cans for $175 lol. now to order some brushes

[@kafkapinstriping]

Your very welcome

[@Orgruk]

The Createx water based acrylics I use are too fragile to get away with not clearing (even the Wicked brand), but it certainly works here.

[@retiredle8139]

what is the size and name of the brush you are using in this video? Are you using the same enamel paint on the flames in the airbrush or is it a different paint in the airbrush? Thanks Great video. Ron

[@stevekafka]

Retired LE same paint thinned with hardware lacquer thinner for airbrush