So you see these wicked realistic flame paint jobs all over the place now.

How do they do that? Can I learn to do it?  Is it just a pro trick?

First off the term “True Fire” is a trade marked phrase by the phenomenal pros at Killer Paint. Specifically, one of the masters of the technique Mike Lavallee.

The technique itself is just that, a technique, for creating the effect of realistic fire in a paint job.

I will show you the basics of how it's done and where to find the resources to learn to do it yourself.

The realistic flame technique is accomplished by using free hand techniques and stencils.

The basic technique is simple. About three different colors are layed down in order from darkest to lightest.

To get super bright colors, candy colors are used. Candies are very tranparent bright colors that are given their brightness by a lighter color underneath. 

How can I learn to paint realistic flames?

• Check out the video section here at Airbrush Tricks. There are a bunch of how to videos covering the basic concepts. Really pay attention to the pros like Ed Hubbs. His videos are amazing.
• Once you ready to realy get into the weeds and want to learn the finer points of realistic fire check out these resources:
• TCPGlobal's KustomShop presents LiveFire Realistic Flames Paint Kits. Paints, Stencils & DVD as a kit or individually.

When is it worth it to take the plunge and buy pro stencils?

• Buying the stencils and gear is not going to instantly make you a realistic flame ninja.
• Really watch the realistc fire videos on this site. Ask questions in the forum and learn. Once you understand the concepts you're ready to start practicing. The best way to learn how to paint like a pro is to practice like the pros.
• Once your ready to take your flames from Joe to Pro, that's when you're ready to take the plunge and get some pro level tools.
• You can always get the gear whenever. I just think it's really important not to be disappointed. Airbrushing is fun but can be frustrating when your learning. Make sure you keep it fun. The technique is the trick to realistic flames. Not the gear.

How do I practice the technique without cooking through expensive paint?

• Pratice your flame layouts and shapes using cheap paint. You don't need to get expensive colors to practice laying out your flames.
• There are a bunch of great alternitives to expensive paints. Createx is a great paint to practicea all your techniques. It flows well once you thin it down a little and it's easy to clean up.
• This is the best place to get Createx Paint:
• TCPGlobal: Your 1-stop for auto, hot rod & car restoration paint, tools & shop supplies & LearningCenter.

Still got questions? Join us in the forum. It's free to sign up and join the conversation.

• www.TheAirbrushForum.com