For custom car builders today, one of the biggest expenses—and a make-or-break features of the build—is the paint job. Now, with the expert help of one of the country’s top custom painters, readers can learn to custom paint their own cars, from design to finishing touches. With the attention to detail and keen sense of style that have made her the most sought-after custom painter working today, JoAnn Bortles offers step-by-step instructions for achieving that professional look at home. Her book provides detailed advice on every step from basecoating to artwork and airbrushing to clearcoating and troubleshooting, with special emphasis on designing and executing elaborate paint schemes such as flames, skulls, murals, and pin striping. Clearly written and amply illustrated, this is the ultimate how-to-custom-paint guide. Also contains an excellent chapter on realistic flames as featured on the book's cover.
I starting painting custom cars and motorcycles in 1979. I had no previous experience and learned everything by trial and error. There were lots of errors. In fact there were times I wanted to quit and did, vowing never to paint another car or motorcycle. But somehow, I always came back to it.
After so many years of learning very hard lessons in the custom industry, it is very gratifiying to be able to pass those lessons onto others. In 2003 I had the opportunity to do so and accomplish one of my dreams. I was given the chance to work with Motorbooks Publishing and write my first book, "How to Custom Paint Your Motorcycle." I had always dreamed of being a writer. Since then I have had 6 books published, the latest being, "Advanced Airbrush techniques," and two of my books have been translated into Japanese.
In 2007 I was very proud to have myself and my work featured in Southern Living magazine. It was first time in the history of this lifestyle and design magazine, that they featured an individual who worked in the custom automotive and motorcycle industry. And also in 2007 NBC News came to my shop and filmed. This piece was shown on NBC's Today Show in July 2007 and can still be seen on MSNBC's Video website.
Another proud goal was having a car my company painted win one of PPG's 2006 Top 5 Most Outstanding Paint awards, appearing in their Vibrance product advertising in 2006. Our work has won a number of awards over the years including winning several championships.
I also work as a photo-journalist for some of the leading motorcycle magazines such as American Iron, which is the number one selling motorcycle magazine in the world. I am currently testing riding gear for Harley Davidson Motor Company, which will be a series of articles for Cycle Source magazine. And I enjoy interviewing other people in the industry and recently interviewed Kris Krome, winner of the AMD Metric Motorcycle World Championship, for Cycle Source.
Another lifelong goal was accomplished in 2004 when my own personal custom motorcycle was featured on the cover of Easyriders magazine, making me the first woman whose own motorcycle was on the cover in the history of this 38 yr old magazine.
The goal of my books, is to keep others from making the same mistakes I did. the way I see if, if I can do do. Then you can do it. I can teach almost anyone to custom paint.
