Question:
Dear M.O.B. Scene,
I am a big fan of the magazine and this column! I have to say I love your skulls and flames…very cool!
I am currently between truck projects due to some financial issues, but I intend to continue building my dream truck shortly after Christmas.
My question about custom airbrushing is this: How difficult is it to paint the liner under my hood, as well as a custom-made fiberglass sub box behind my seat?
Thanks for any wisdom you can impart!
Keep up the great work at 8-Lug!
Dean Saunders
Chicago, Illinois
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Answer:
Hey Dean! Great question, and a great project idea that really makes a big difference when you’re parked at a show. Hood liners are a great way to showcase airbrushed murals, and believe it or not, they aren’t as difficult to paint as you may think.
You basically have two options:
1) Brush a fiberglass resin over the surface of your liner till it is hard and thick enough to sand and prep.
2) Apply a basecoat of intercoat clear. After allowing it to dry, just apply your base color, add fantastic airbrush art, and you’re done!
You may find that the paint soaks into the liner, so multiple applications may be necessary, but the finished results are very impressive. Another great addition under the hood is the engine cover and valve covers—a common area that I think demands some attention!
As always, good prep is the key—so make sure the surfaces are free of grease and dirt and sanded properly. After a coat or two of primer, add your base color and then hit it with your artwork.
You’ll be amazed by what a big difference it will make to your engine bay! Chicks dig airbrushed hood liners and engine covers. No joke!
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As far as your sub box goes, great idea. Just make sure the surface is smooth. After prep work and applying your primer, just apply a basecoat and you’re good to go. Let your imagination run wild with these things! They aren’t your typical surfaces to paint on, so why make them ordinary?
Try and think outside the box...get it? Sub box? OK, OK. I’ll stick to airbrushing!
All right guys and gals, you have some info. Now get out there and paint something! Remember, when you’re finished creating that masterpiece, send me some pictures. Who knows? Maybe we’ll put ’em in the magazine. How cool would that be?
Keep on sprayin’!
M.O.B.
“Mike O’Brien (aka M.O.B.) owns and operates M.O.B. Air Custom Paint and Graphics out of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada and has been airbrushing for the past 15 years. He specializes in custom automotive airbrush work as well as motorcycle art and helmets. To see some examples of his work, visit www.freewebs.com/airbrushmafia or call 403/671-3226.
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