Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The pinstriping is applied with 1 Shot paint, which has excellent adhesion to almost all surfaces (paint, metal, glass). The paint air-dries, is dry after a few hours, and fully cured after 24 hours. Theoretically, it is possible to seal pinstriping with a clear coat IF:

• The clear coat must be a solvent-free clear coat (e.g., water-based).
• The pinstriping should be fully cured for at least 48 hours, preferably 72 hours (3 days).
• The clear coat must be applied thinly. Thick layers lead to cracking.

We generally advise against clear coat sealing. Modern pinstriping paints are very durable. Pinstriping can last many years without sealing. If you have concerns or questions, please contact me beforehand.

The costs are very individual and depend on various factors:

• Size and complexity of the motif.
• Number of colors.
• Condition of the surface (e.g., paint preparation is necessary).
• Location (Do I have to travel or do you ship the part?).

Prices usually start at 50,- Dollars for a very small, simple motif. For an exact price quote, please send me a sketch or a detailed description of the desired pinstriping.

The pure painting time for an average motif (e.g., on a motorcycle tank) is about 1 to 3 hours**. The time can vary depending on the motif size, complexity, and the necessity of freehand or stencil work. In addition, there is the drying time of the paint. The object is transport-ready after approx. 24 hours**.

The surface must be clean, dry, and grease-free. Ideally, the paint should be polished and free of wax, silicone, or oil residues. Tip: A simple cleaning with a mild degreaser (like silicone remover) shortly before pinstriping is sufficient.

Hand-lining is often used on historic vehicles (classic cars), tractors, and classic motorcycles to restore or refine the original look. They emphasize body edges and give the vehicle a noble, handcrafted character.

I exclusively use high-quality, durable, and colorfast 1 Shot enamel paints or comparable products, which are specially developed for this type of work. These paints offer excellent durability and UV resistance.

Yes and no. Once the paint is fully cured after about 10 to 14 days, it is technically car-wash safe, but the car wash brushes can sometimes be very damaging to the paint. Therefore, we recommend hand washing to best preserve the paint’s gloss and the fine edges of the lines. Use caution when polishing: since the lines sit raised on the surface, avoid using abrasive polishes or buffers directly on the pinstripes.

On a well-cured original factory finish, pinstriping can usually be carefully removed even years later using special cleaners or a fine polish, without damaging the original paint. It’s not a permanent commitment, even though the paint is designed for long-lasting durability.

Pinstriping works on almost all smooth surfaces. Besides car and bike parts, I also customize helmets, bags, guitars, glass, and even furniture. Every material requires specific prep – just let me know what you have in mind.

Not necessarily. Many customers ship me parts like gas tanks, fenders, or helmets. After the work is done and cured, I ship the custom pieces back to you securely. For full vehicles, we are happy to schedule individual appointments on-site.

Yes, gold or silver leaf accents are a great way to complement pinstriping. Real gold leaf is applied and often outlined with fine pinstripes to create a high-end, classic custom look.

Pinstriping has a soul. You can feel the slight texture of the paint and see the artist’s unique touch. While vinyl decals can shrink or fade over time, hand-painted pinstripes age with the vehicle and develop an authentic character that mass-produced stickers just can’t replicate.