Pin Striping Technique

Pin striping is defined as a thin line of color on a contrasting background. Pin stripes are a pattern in cloth, but pin striping technique usually refers to the application of decorative paint on vehicles or occasionally in furniture. Pin striping requires a steady hand and some special skills and equipment. There are three basic techniques to pin striping.

Mechanical Pin Striping Machines

A mechanical pin-striping machine controls the paint application and width of the stripe, allowing the operator to concentrate on the placement of the line. Mechanical pin-striping machines can also take advantage of magnetic auto pin-striping strips. This strip attaches to the body of the car, allowing the operator to adjust the strips to make sure everything is straight before the mechanical pin-striping machine applies the paint along the strip. Magnetic strips can also be curved, resulting in more artistic pin stripes.
While the mechanical pin-striping machine offers the advantages of accuracy and efficiency, it can be expensive and is not normally within the range of a do-it-yourselfer. They are generally used by body shops in professional environments.

Stencil Tape

Place stencil tape on the car as a guide for the pin stripe paint. The stencil tape allows adjustments to be made before paint is applied. The tapes also allow the application of multiple colors.
Stencil tape is available at paint specialty shops and offers a lower-cost alternative for do-it-yourself pin striping that still yields excellent results.

Freehand Pin Striping

The most artistic technique of pin striping is freehand pin striping. Freehand pin stripers often place a piece of masking tape about a quarter inch from the planned location of the pin striping. The masking tape cannot be used as an edging for the pin stripe because the paint may seep under the tape and give the pin stripe a ragged edge.
Freehand pin striping does offer some advantages. Without the limitations of a mechanical device or stencil tape, the design of the pin stripe can be as ornate and fancy as the painter desires, provided she has the skills.
Use the correct paintbrush for the situation. The brush should be the width of the planned pin stripe. Longer bristled brushes hold more paint and are useful for long straight pin stripes. Shorter brushes work better for the curved portions of the pin stripe project.