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Inspiration for your imagination.

From advanced techniques to eye-popping effects, you’ll find how to separate yourself from the pack in our library of tutorials.

Dècoupage Technique - Kyle Morley

Incorporating a montage of authentic newspaper clippings and photographs from the 1940s, Kyle’s imaginative fiberglass “bombshell” transforms this symbol of World War II into a stunning tribute to the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces.

Dècoupage Technique Tutorial

Moving Checkers Effect - Pete "Hot Dog" Finlan

Hot Dog dubs this technique “Moving Checkers”, a trick he perfected while painting surfboards early in his career. Ideal for filling panels and small projects, the pattern is blurry, yet mesmerizing. Best of all, executing this attention-stealing design is as simple as it is rad.

Moving Checkers Effect Tutorial

Tape Shading Effect - Mitch Lanzini

Mitch Lanzini teaches how to create a classic tape shading effect ideal for beginning painters looking to build confidence. It's a high-power contrast of unexpected colors and free-flowing shapes with symmetrical lines and steady gun work often seen on hot rods and lowriders.

Tape Shading Effect Guide

Variant Shading Technique – Paul Stoll

Mono on mono: how variant shades of a single color can be creatively applied to craft a beautifully understated custom finish. The paint scheme for John Hayes' Corvette was conceived by Paul Stoll, PPG training instructor and accomplished painter. The design builds on the original Switchblade Silver paint finish and makes use of four "coarser" custom variant colors.

Variant Shading Technique Guide

3-D Layered Design - Ryan Korek

Ryan Korek demonstrates how he created a razor-sharp design. Ryan's three-dimensional design calls for bold, high-gloss colored graphics "drop shadowed" over a matter gloss silver charcoal metallic base. Ryan employs the unusual technique of "working backwards," that is, starting with applying the color layers first that other painters typically would do after spraying the base color.

3-D Layered Effect Guide

Flames Design - Dave Perewitz

Dave Perewitz shows his design process for flawless flamework. Feel is central to Dave's design process, but he does have one major rule: everything must flow. In his work, notice how every line of the design is continuously curving to imply speed and motion. He also pays special attention to the placement of flame tips.

Flames Design Guide

Flawless Black Finish - Bobby Alloway

Bobby Alloway shares his essential tips for achieving a flawless black finish. Some painters avoid black because of its reputation for being unforgiving in calling attention to even the tiniest of flaws. Alloway maintains that the prep and painting process should be the same, regardless of whether the car is red, blue, white or black.

Flawless Black Finish Guide

Fish Scale Effect - Chris MacMahan

Chris MacMahan demonstrates how to create a classic fish scale effect. Whether you’re looking for an eye-catching fill or a background for pinstripes or artwork, the fish scale technique is a timeless choice. In this tutorial, Chris uses a traditional circular scale, but other shapes work just as well. With a little imagination and experimentation, you’ll be able to create a wide range of patterns and effects.

Fish Scale Effect Guide

Wood Grain Technique - Charley Hutton

Charley Hutton, custom painter extraordinaire, explains how to create a realistic wood grain look with a few simple tools and ENVIROBASE® High Performance basecoat. A painted wood-grain effect is one way to add a distinctive look to your custom build. In this guide, Charley demonstrates how to paint a panel with one style of wood in the center, framed by another wood grain look.

Wood Grain Technique Guide

Faux Distressed Technique – Jeremy Seanor

Here's how to give your paint finish the classic signs of distress. It's one of the hottest trends in the world of customizing and restoration. The only problem is, with a traditional paint application, you'd have to wait decades to achieve that vintage appeal naturally. Thankfully, Jeremy Seanor, owner of Lucky Strike Designs Custom Paint and a PPG technical refinish instructor, shows you how to help shorten that time by creating a distressed-looking faux patina.

Faux Distressed Technique Guide

Lace Technique – Darryl Hollenbeck

Darryl Hollenbeck shows how to create an old-school lace effect in just a few simple steps. It's a throwback style from the 1960s, one that Hollenbeck describes as a bit of a lost art. A touch of lace goes a long way, he acknowledges, but on the right project in the right amount, it's killer. You can find examples of the effect on his Iron Orchid and 1959 Ranch Wagon.

Lace Technique Guide