Ok, I'm just confirming this: First, base, then the pearl flames, then clearcoat over everything, right? I know there are other methods, I'm sure, but I believe this one works well, so just let me know if it is correct. Thanks in advance!

 

I would never do it in that order. From experience that is the worst way to do it. What I do is lay the base, seal it with some clear, then apply the clear with the pearl. Then squirt more clear as if you haven't yet. When you color sand, you'll get rid of the step of the edge of the flames, and not go through. Flawless job.

If you don't seal the base, you'll have all kinds of problems with marking the base.

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'82 Firebird, dead stock, 9 bolt disc rear, over 200,000 miles and still going strong, more to come...

 

Alright. That does sound a bit more secure. When you say "apply the clear with the pearl," what exactly do you mean? Do you mix the pearl with the clearcoat? If that is the case, can you still do that with pearl that has metallic flake in it, or is there some other way specific for that? Thanks for all your help

 

The pearl is where the "ghost" comes from. That's what makes the flames visible from one angle, and not the other.

Yeah, you mix the pear additive with the clear and paint the masked off flame section. It's just hard to get the right amount of pearl into the clear. Try on a practice peice of something. I've seen some not so ghost flames and other not enough ghost flames. It takes practice.

I don't think that you should use metalic additives, just the pearl. If you do use any other than pear additives, you will be able to see it too well.