This is a How to on doing graf-x with a plotter. We will be doing a PT Cruiser hood scoop and a beveled mirror looking frame with electricity going all around it, so lets get started.


Step 1 , I took the hood scoop off and sanded it with 800 grit sand paper and pre cleaned with PPGs DX 330 .



Step 2, I cut the design out with my Roland stika sx 12. and transfer it to the hood scoop.



Step 3, I start in with transparent white Auto air, streaking it slowly with variating lines, < skinny and thick, DO not opaque the design out or you will loose your effect, keep it light and make sure your lines are pretty straight and match through out the design.



Step 4, Now i go to my Pearl silver and start streaking just like i did with the transparent white, remember keep your lines straight and let it flow through out the design.



Step 5, Now we start with the bevel look, Slowly peel out the beveled pieces. Do 1 at a time, if you rush and un-peel all of it, it might now look as good.



Step 6. After you have peeled out 1 section of the bevel tribal frame, get a business card or what i use is a playing card, and hold it to match corner to corner, then use your transparent white to make the edges look beveled. Also while you are spraying add your high lights right now on the edges don't try to freehand them in later. You can also save the pieces and put them back on top of your painted area for a sharper look , but i didn't i wanted the blurry kind of look.



step 7, After peeling out all of your pieces and use the tech. that i use in the previous step you should have something like this.



step 8. Unmask your design and you have a popin mirror look, also you can add some light blue and it will give you a sky reflection.



step 9. I did a electricity effect around the frame cause the owner wanted to call his PT cruiser PTricity so it matched up great. the customer was jumping up and down looking at his new ride. To d the electricity i use transparent white then 3 coats of candy purple then use transparent white again to do your lines and highlights. REMEMBER, you will need a steady eye and hand to over lap your lines 5 times, if you go off track it will be very noticeable !!



Step 10. after clearing i use 800 grit, 1000 grit 1500 grit and 2000 grit then with a 3M Rubbing compound and 3M polish with a high speed buff , you get a nice luster.



i hope this how to has helped you see the different effect you can get with auto air water based paint.