Kafka Ol' Skool Pinstriping, Part 2/4, 7/18/09

[GorillaWriter]

Kafka's #3 scroller seems like a cool brush, i have one coming in today. I just started pinstriping and I first purchases a mack 00 twenty series, then i bought a mack acrylic sword(not very pleased with this 20 dollar brush) and another scroll brush head by mack(not so pleased with this one either). The Mack- classic is my favorite brush so far. I can make any line I want. I wanted to learn the oldschool too... Its not hard.

[kafkapinstriping]

There are a lot of newbie stripers that think that they must learn to stripe with a Mack brush.I learned to stripe with a mack after I trimmed the belly and top I could turn it without spinning it and developed my style of striping with that configuration . Lets set the record straight Von Dutch HATED mack brushes, he used Hillers ,not made in 40 years,macks were available so thats why they were used. My brushes don't frustrate new artists they give them wings If you need help,ask

[GorillaWriter]

@kafkapinstriping Mr. Kafka, I highly admire your work and appreciate your reply. I didnt mean to offend you or discredit your brushes. Actually, I just recieved my Kafka #3 scroller yesterday. Very nice piece, i enjoy using it. I love using tools which allow an artist to strive and become better due to a capable instrument. You've achieve it with your brushes. I dont need to ask anyone, your brush is proof enough. Im young, but I have alot of experience. No fear of Macks.

[julzthesignee]

I want to be able to do this! You are a Legend! Love your work-very inspiring... i started my career as an apprentice signwriter, (yes, i am a female too!) did that for 7 years, now have been in the graphic design/retouching business for 12 years. Want to get back into brushes & enamel! Hopefully in a few years after lots of practice i will be o.k at this wonderful craft! Please wish me luck!

[kafkapinstriping]

@julzthesignee You CAN do this! You have a great background for pinstriping, look at "The System" on my site, it is a fast track learning method that I developed after 43 years of teaching various disciplines of fine arts. Look at the videos with Monte Roach you will be even more inspired to take this incredible art form into your world, And I'll help you if you get stuck,just e-mail me.Steve@kooltie.com Have fun!

Steve

[garciarosa100]

Some of these brushes out there are hard to work with. I haven't found one that I can say " I love this brush"

[kafkapinstriping]

@garciarosa100 Some of the brushes out there will discourage a new pinstriper into quitting. My brushes will shorten the learning curve and give you wings, plus I'll help you when you need it. Try the #3 scroller you will love it!

Steve

[mojofootball4life]

i cant get my paint to be the right consistency, its either too thick and i start to drag or its too "watery" and i cant get a good flowing line. i also use your smooth stroke and brush but i need help on getting my paint to be the right consistency. oh and the paint i use is one shot.

[kafkapinstriping]

@mojofootball4life O.K. somewhere between too watery and too thick is where you need to be right? The paint should have the consistency of whipping cream ,this is done by adjusting your thinners less or more. It will also effect palleting when it;s hot or cold ,humid or arid, and if it's windy or not windy. Once you get the consistency right it will feel right no matter what else is happening, be patient it will come to you I promise. E-mail me to keep me informed of your progress.

,

Steve

[prashantvasal]

your work is offffff the hook man ........pitty we r still nt getting ur brushes in INDIA

[NCThruxton]

I picked up a full set of the new brushes a couple months ago after a friend told me about them, I've been a hobby striper since the mid 80s. My old Macs have not been out of the box since I got yours! Love Em! I'll be doing some work on my 73 Electra I'm doing in a mild kustom and might have a young friend I'm teaching help out. Thanks for the vids and the great brushes!!

[kafkapinstriping]

@NCThruxton Thanks for sharing your experience with the brushes ,I'll keep doing the videos ,and help when I can,good luck.

Steve

[renegade1be]

really love york work,

Im ordering a # 3 at the local vendor here in Belgium.

Pitty that he doesn't have the Grid also...

Best Regards

Danny

[kafkapinstriping]

If he doesn't want to carry it there are options available .

Steve

[bud809]

I ordered 2 the brushes and the grid! One of them being the #3 and I have been striping everything that will hold still!!! I have only been striping for a short time now but, I must say these brushes sure give you the ability to try different strokes and shapes I would not try a sword or dagger style for fear of ruining an intricate design with one bad pull!! love the brushes!! I will be ordering more soon!! thanks, Clay

[kafkapinstriping]

Clay ,

It's people like you that keep me going ,And I'm glad your spreading the word .

Thank you,

Steve3

[budmanjr325]

You are a man amoung the boys amazing work 

[emasterjeweler]

Can you tell us about your palette table?

[kafkapinstriping]

@emasterjeweler 

[kafkapinstriping]

The table that I use is a medical examination table,very expensive, but sometimes available at used medical supply stores if your lucky. I actually looked into making them but it was not cost effective. Look for one with a stainless tray, and extend able support arm .

Steve

[imagineas1]

whats on that can, reducer?

[kafkapinstriping]

@imagineas1 I thin with mineral spirits,clean with cheap lacquer thinner,and add smooth stroke to my paint.Hope this helps.

Steve

[thunzie]

Steve, are these brushes available in Australia? I'd love to have a try of them, they look great.

[kafkapinstriping]

@thunzie

[thunzie]

@kafkapinstriping Looks like you've tried to reply butit didn't work. I'd love to know if I can buy these brushes in Oz, mate if you can tell me.

[thesnakehunter36]

Amazing work! I just placed an order for your brushes, grid and smooth stroke. this will be my first time pinstriping. Im taking your advice and starting with your brush instead of the old. cant wait!

[kestrel65]

I love these brushes. Cant wait for more videos

[yuccasinger2]

After using Mack brushes for 35 years, I find these Kafka brushes to be much better. Scroll work is much faster, has more of a controlled look, and lots less anxiety when going around those close corners.

[moregooder60]

I ordered one of your brushes and after I got used to it wich only took about a week, I love the thing. Its amazing what you can do with it compared to a Mack. Please post more videos I love watching you stripe. Also seeing Von Dutch's bus would be awesome!

Cheers.

[kafkapinstriping]

@moregooder60 I finally got something on The Bus!you seen it?

Steve

[robz95]

wats your web site were i could get your products

[kevingambrell]

Hi Steve

Well had a good go with the brush today, have to say its the dog's! Blows the Mac brushes into a cocked hat. Odd given that i'm building a Mac traction engine!.

Thanks for a great product.

Cheers kevin

[kafkapinstriping]

Hi Kevin,I understood most of the vinacular and got the general feeling of approval ,glad you like them,have a look @the rest of the equipment for the artform that Ive made or designed,I want nothing but first quality for anything with my name on it best regards,Steve

[thelovebadgers]

Hi would love to buy one of your brushes.. I live in England is this possible? You are pretty mustard ! X

[kafkapinstriping]

pinstriper uk has several of my products for sale try them first  steve

[kevingambrell]

Just bought one of the brushes to line the tender on my traction engine. Not had a good chance to try the brush but first impresions are its a superb brush. I bought mine from pinstripe uk.

[19321947]

Are you going to do any other demo's?

The ones you have done were excellent!

I hope you do some more...

Love the brushes!

[kafkapinstriping]

I plan on doing more, one on flames and another on lettering. I have 10 new liners and 10 new lettering quills coming out pretty soon. I'm devoting most of my time to the Von Dutch bus restoration project. I also have 2 DVD's that are both instructional and demonstrations with some tips you may find helpful. I have a shorter version of my #3 scroller in the works too.

[cybercosis]

Where do you get the grid? I would love to pick one of those up because I am sick of drawing these on with a stabilo and ruler.

[19321947]

Thanks for your time!

I love the brushes! It took a little to get used to not turning it!

I hope you do more...

[BIGJohnByeah]

I've been pinstriping not a pro but i love striping i practice on glass to me its an easy way of practicing on. And your brushes and vids helped me a lot. thanks!!!

[kestrel65]

This brush is everything its cracked up to be. I love it

[kafkapinstriping]

A little bit of Windex and a microfiber cloth

[noshnitt]

After the panel is done, how is the grid removed without damaging the stripes?