Topic: night racing paint

[2budzracing]

check out duplicolor on u-tube they have a bunch of neat stuff like glow in the dark paint ,pretty cool and easy enough.a texture paint also wonder how well it would hold up on steps and decks ?

[RedDeere]

Not well

[dandt4238]

Good topic, I have talked to many videographer, and photographer in the racing community and they all say the same thing about racers painting there vehicles.  Please use good judgment!  What looks good parked under the sun, and in your garage does not always look good on the track.  ESPECIALLY at night under the lights.  Most of your reflective paint and lettering make for poor pictures and video at night.  Very few photographers have the equipment needed to take good pictures of these.  The expense is just to high for most hobbiists. 
So as you paint up your rides for this year and in the future keep in mind who is going to be filming you or taking pictures of your mower.  And if you race alot under the lights, it is even more important. 
Also keep in mind your sponsors.  If you send them pictures where their name is not legible, they are not likely to keep their name on your ride.
I'm not saying they can't be used.  Just think about how things will look on the track at speed as well as sitting at a car show.  Now, lets see those hot paint jobs!
Dean Jr.

[numb41]

That having been said; just what colors do look good under lights?  how about lettering? anyone??

[dandt4238]

Your lettering should be a contrasting color to the color directly below it.
ie. white would not go well on yellow, and dark blue would not go well on black
Think of logos that you see along the highway.  Another good idea, check out a place like photobucket and do a search on dirt track race cars.  Even go through the photo section here. 
Another idea, sports teams.  Most professional teams have a crew of PR people that work on color combinations. 
There are lots of colors that work great with each other, you just have to be creative to pull it off.  Try your ideas with crayons, colored pencils, or markers before you go and buy paint.  If your using spray paint remember that the paint doesn't always dry the same color the cap shows.  Another thing about spray paint, buy more than you need to start, you can always take it back.  Paint is mixed in batches, so the first shift mix and the second shift mix may be slightly different.

[GRUBDIGGER]

HOW MANY NIGHT RACES IS THERE? DIDNT KNOW THIS WAS AN ISSUE.

[Rooster]

I used "Prism" vinyl lettering. Looks great, get lots of compliments on it, at night when the lights hit them they put off alot of neat colors, looks really cool.
Scorekeepers HATE them with a passion, at night races they are extremely hard to read.

Grub, we race regularly at night. Especially in the mid to late summer when it is hot.

[more4les]

Here's another thing I see way too much of: heavy metallics and pearls. They look great on sports cars, motorcycles and such but on anything that is going to graphics and lettering on it stay away from it. Think of your paint as the canvas to your masterpiece. Then use the decals, graphics and lettering to bring out the colors you want. Ever look at some of the best looking mowers on the track up close? You will find a simple color underneath all the beauty. KISS (for those who don't know: Keep It Simple Stupid).LOL

Lester

[Burwell555]

Lester I would agree with that for the most part, but you also have to remember that the simple paint and complex stuff is all built off the foundation of good body work. It is not quick nor easy to pull it off. But the more time invested, the better it will look in the end. As dad always said, if yo can see it in the primer, you are guaranteed to see it in the paint

[Rooster]

If you can see it in the paint, that's a great place for a sticker!

[Burwell555]

Lol rooster not all of us like stickers

[more4les]

I thought this thread was about paint. I too know good bodywork is the foundation of a great paint job. Most of my complaints came during our dirt modified days. No bodywork per say to speak of as it was with brand new panels ready to paint. But back to my point...stick to a plain solid paint color and offset it with brilliant graphics. Otherwise they will fight with each other.

Lester

[mowinmachine]

 I guess the way I feel about it is that whatever you paint your mower with will get beat up anyway. At least ours do. Might as well use the cheapest rattle can paint available.

[Rooster]

Dude....quit hitting stuff!

[Duane Ferguson]

Ok now I have a crap load of nice paint. That said if you paint with nice bright colors use a simple color for lettering  and decals.  If you want to spend the money go for it. Wraps are cheaper.