Iridium Silver Isata 3

[bclemens]

having your own paint shop means we can experiment with different things pretty easily. I think I showed a rendering the last time...but here are completed shots of a single color Isata 3 for those that want a more automotive look.

This is a stock Mercedes-Benz color. Iridium Silver Metallic.

Sorry for the yucky day...welcome to northern Indiana.

[AWF1945]

When I visited the plant back in February I was very impressed with the painters talent. Top notch work. Not sure how many painters are employed but the one I saw is a great asset to the Dynamax division.

[bclemens]

Lol...it is tough. When we put out want ads, we have guys that have "painted RV's before" apply, but that's not the same thing as what we do. The masks are way more complex and we do a lot more free hand detailing (drops shadows, low pressure splatter, etc). Sometimes these guys come in the first day "wide eyed" that they weren't as good as they thought they were. Most learn over time....some just stop showing up.

They are a very talented bunch of people. I'm working on a video right now so that people have a true understanding of the process. It's easy to look at one paint and say "Oh, well that's nice too"...but when you dig into the hours of prep (that others just paint over) and that we cut and buff every paint job (that others charge for or just don't do) you really start to see big differences.

[AWF1945]

I agree prep determines the final outcome. Sanding, scotchbrite pads around windows, crevices can be real finger biters.. free hand striping is an art in itself. I did make a suggestion to the guy that showed me the process about using projectors to cast graphic design on each side which makes masking alot easier.

In my young life I grew up in a body shop so I'm no stranger to the process. Now as far as your solid color silver unit you have displayed, solid colors are okay for those that want them however there are a few things to consider. They will show more imperfections in side wall, trim or compartment doors if not perfectly aligned and so on.. whereas graphics tend to distract the eye away from these imperfections if not too noticeable of course. JMO..

[bclemens]

We thought about the solid colors when we did them. Actually changed our sidewall construction ahead of solid colors, just for that reason.

Most people will use roll goods for fiberglass. Big coil and you roll the fiberglass out and laminate it to the backer during vacuum bonding process. We had to change that to have the wall skins built more like a boat. Gel Coat applied to the backer instead of roll goods. It costs a little more, but you get a MUCH flatter wall, with fewer "waves and ripples".

Projector is a good idea...I painted a bedroom mural that way. made me look artistic.