Any advice about painters?

[grrlys_magickety]

I just got my PT for xmas in Dec. It is a 2004 loaded turbo. LOVE IT! (Well except for the turning radius)

I live in northern VA and want to get some custom paint-work done. I was wondering if any of you could recommend someone in the mid-Atlantic region. And how much does it run? I basically want to add a two-tone flake/pearl gloss over my existing dark grey and get some graphics (it'll cover like flames but is NOT flames) over the hood and along the sides.

Thanks! -Grrly & my PT Magickety

[JOEM]

Best thing to do is ask around and get some recommendations. Then check out the recommended painter's shops and actually eyeball a few jobs they performed and try to talk with someone who has used them. You'll need to ask actual shop forlks in your area for estimates...prices for custom paint work vary quite a bit from region to region, it seems. That's the best approach.

[GOLDMEMBER]

I would definately look for someone that has done show cars or has recommended. I have run into too many bad bodyshops
Get references, it sounds like a pain but if they aren't willing to provide them then they may trying to hide something

[basset hound]

The first step is to take your time!!! There should be no rush. Look at as many PT Cruisers and other vehicles that have custom paint in your area. Go to PT Cruiser events and car shows. A search of customized paint jobs on the Internet is also a good idea. Once you know what you want, search for a painter that can fulfill your dreams. Check their work on jobs that are the same style of what you want. Once you've selected the painter that you have confidence in, let them do the job and be patient. True artists can't be rushed.

[joseph szostek jr]

I'd see if there are any pt cruiser clubs in your area they'll most likey know of a good painter in the area good luck and welcome.

[QuicksilverDon]

Just remember, Hitler started out as a painter...

[GregsPT]

Originally Posted by grrlys_magickety

I just got my PT for xmas in Dec. It is a 2004 loaded turbo. LOVE IT! (Well except for the turning radius)

I live in northern VA and want to get some custom paint-work done. I was wondering if any of you could recommend someone in the mid-Atlantic region. And how much does it run? I basically want to add a two-tone flake/pearl gloss over my existing dark grey and get some graphics (it'll cover like flames but is NOT flames) over the hood and along the sides.

Thanks! -Grrly & my PT Magickety

Contact this guy his work is very well known to allot PTE members. He lives in MD and is very reasonable.

magicpineapple@comcast.net

[Bosch]

Originally Posted by basset hound

The first step is to take your time!!! There should be no rush. Look at as many PT Cruisers and other vehicles that have custom paint in your area. Go to PT Cruiser events and car shows. A search of customized paint jobs on the Internet is also a good idea. Once you know what you want, search for a painter that can fulfill your dreams. Check their work on jobs that are the same style of what you want. Once you've selected the painter that you have confidence in, let them do the job and be patient. True artists can't be rushed.

What Basset said too..

And if you see a paintjob you like take a picture of the car! You can always write down a quick note with what you liked about that car..

The pics will give the painter a good idea of what you like and don't in a very concrete way..

Don't rush yourself, film and paper are cheap.. Paint isn't..

[GOLDMEMBER]

Another thing find a painter that you can be comfortable with I talked to at least 6 people before getting my Cruiser done. Even at that I still ran into problems because I was acually dealing directly with the painter but going throught a bodyshop. In my case the painter and bodyshop owner had a huge fight.

[basset hound]

GOLDMEMBER, You too. I wonder what it is about painters who work for someone else? Fortunately for me, my painter did a fantastic job. He worked with me eventhough he was splitting up with the shop he was doing the work through. I fully agree. You have to go with a painter that you trust.