A Conversation About The Rising Cost of Paint at The 75th Grand National Roadster Show
Blinded By The Raw Metal Beauties on Display
Pinky and I were running through the 75th running of the Grand National Roadster Show. Each of the 7 buildings were packed full of awesome cars, trucks, and even boats!? The show features two prestigious awards, “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” and the “Al Slonaker Memorial Award”. A dozen highly detailed, incredibly built rolling beauties in each class vie for the coveted top honors.
And yet, you can’t help but notice the raw metal masterpieces. Fabrication shops showing off their craftsmanship, or a parts supplier grabbing attention to their products, these steel stunners captivate the build process.
Or, are they bare because the cost of a good paint job is so darn high?
Layin’ Down Color: The Art and Attitude of Custom Car Painting
Nothing turns heads like a killer paint job. It’s the first thing people notice when your ride rolls up, and it’s the last thing they’ll forget. Whether you’re laying down a mirror-like candy coat, a wicked flake job, or a battle-worn patina, custom paint isn’t just about looking good—it’s about attitude, legacy, and straight-up artistry.
The Vision: More Than Just Color
Before a single drop of paint touches metal, the vision needs to be locked in. What story does your ride tell? Are you going full show-stopper with deep, liquid-like metallics? Maybe an old-school scallop job? Or are you leaning into a rough-and-ready rat rod with aged paint and primer ghosts whispering tales of the past?
Every great paint job starts with a concept. Sketch it, visualize it, and most importantly, make sure it complements the lines of your ride. A clean, curvy ‘50 Merc might beg for a classic fade, while a chopped Model A hot rod screams for flames licking across the fenders.
Prep Work: The Grind Before the Glory
Ask any seasoned painter, and they’ll tell you—flawless paint comes from relentless prep work. If you rush through this, you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. Sanding, priming, block sanding, and more sanding—yeah, it’s tedious, but the devil’s in the details. That deep-gloss shine you want? It starts here.
Metalwork is just as crucial. Rust bubbles and bondo patches will haunt you if they’re not handled right. If you want a paint job that lasts, start with clean, straight metal. Don’t be afraid to take it down to bare steel and do it right.
Paint Techniques: Choosing Your Weapon
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to custom paint. You’ve got options, and each one has its own vibe:
- Candy Paint – Deep, rich, and eye-catching, candy colors are built up in layers over a metallic base. This is a high-risk, high-reward style—mess up a coat, and you’re back to square one.
- Metallic and Pearl – These finishes add depth and sparkle, changing with the light and angle. Perfect for a timeless custom look.
- Flake – Big or small, flake brings that ‘60s show car magic. The more coats of clear you lay over it, the deeper it looks.
- Patina and Faux Aging – Some builds wear their scars with pride. Faded paint, airbrushed rust, and worn-out lettering give a ride that vintage soul without waiting 50 years.
The Clear Coat Game
Lay it on thick, then lay it on smooth. Clear coat not only protects your paint but gives it that wet, glassy finish. Color sanding and buffing separate the pros from the amateurs—this is where patience pays off. If you’re not willing to wet sand with ultra-fine grits and polish it to perfection, you’re leaving potential on the table.
The Final Word: Make It Yours
Custom paint is a commitment. It’s not just about spraying a car—it’s about crafting a machine that stops people in their tracks. The best paint jobs have personality. They make people talk. They tell a story.
Whether you’re rolling candy-coated low and slow, metal-flaked and mile-deep, or rocking bare steel with an attitude, own it. Because in the world of custom rides, paint isn’t just color—it’s the soul of your machine.
See you on the Blacktop!
