How to Paint Flames on a Chevy Bowtie
The Chevy bowtie logo is the most recognizable symbol of the Chevrolet brand. Since 1913, vehicles have sported the golden logo that is referred to as a "bowtie," although some believe that the original design was based on the Swiss cross (see Reference 1.) Some drivers choose to modify their vehicles to better reflect their personality and style. Embellishing a bowtie logo with flames is one way to add flair to any model of Chevrolet.
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Things You'll Need
- Chevy bowtie logo
- 30-pound test fishing line
- Mineral spirits
- Clean rag
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Pencil
- Model paint
- Paint brush
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Remove the bowtie emblem that will be painted from the vehicle where it is mounted. Cut a piece of 30-pound test fishing line approximately two feet long. Wrap the ends of the line around one finger on each hand and use the mid section as a saw to gently cut through the adhesive material behind the emblem. Remove any excess adhesive on the vehicle using a paint-safe adhesive remover. (See Reference 2.)
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2
Prepare the logo for paint by sanding off all of the existing paint to create a smooth, clean surface that the new paint will easily adhere to. Remove any dirt or grime by wiping down the sanded emblem with mineral spirits and a clean cloth. Allow the emblem to dry completely before moving onto the next steps. (See Reference 2.)
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3
Paint the emblem with smooth layer of primer to prepare the surface for paint. Allow the primer to dry in a clean environment where dirt particles won't become trapped in the wet paint.
Painting
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4
Tape the flame stencil onto the bowtie in the position where the flames will be painted. Trace the flames onto the emblem using a pencil. If you feel comfortable drawing flames without a stencil, draw a simple outline of the flames onto the emblem freehand. (See Reference 4.)
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5
Remove the stencil and begin painting the flames with the desired color, carefully following the drawn outlines. For larger emblems, or a sharper edge, use thin painter's tape to outline the flames before painting. To use more than one color, apply the base color and allow it to dry before painting with each additional color. (See Reference 4.)
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6
Allow the painted emblems to dry in a clean location and re-apply to the vehicle using double-sided tape once the paint is completely dry.
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1
References
- Photo Credit flame shapes image by Pedro Nogueira from Fotolia.com
