Was ist das? ACK2 of Frankfurt, Germany, presents us with a behind-the-scenes look into its custom painting studio. In this video, one of the painters is working on a ’30s hot rod to give it a very old feel. Even the video is shot with an old-time flickering movie effect that echoes not only the vintage of the car they are working on, but the style of the artistry in which they are working.

He starts by applying a surface to the rear side windows which he will use later to paint on. He then works in some aluminum foil to the doors, airbrushing away the unnecessary portions to reveal “66.” It’s here that we get to see a really intricate and passionate dedication to the work at hand, as our artist takes a handheld engine-turner to give the foil a very classic, checkerboard and machined look. Delicate brushstrokes add a red shadowing effect to the “66.” 

Our painter goes on to paint over the side window canvas he applied earlier, brushing perfectly the dimensions he had traced earlier. He applies cheesecloth over the canvas now, which will give him another layer to paint on later. Some gold foil is applied, whereupon he etches out the phone number of the studio.

On the flip side, he paints an intricate design promoting his company, then takes a marker to give it faux woodwork and three-dimensional effects in shading. The border work takes on a frame-like feel, with “hand-carved” corners made to resemble flowery, contoured wood like an old painting.

The painter clearly wants his audience to feel as though this car was from a previous time, an effect that is made obvious when he applies a clear lacquer to the work. With some more black and a bit of green, the wooden theme dons this striking moldy, mildewed affect. It would definitely send an interesting message to those who have no idea of the work behind it; fortunately for us, we see it for the work of beauty that it is.

On the hood, the artist takes a pin striping brush to apply, ever so delicately, perfect red strokes that culminate in a fleur-de-lis design, adding just a touch of grace to the car. A gridded plane gives his fastidious hands the added level of precision and symmetry required for the job, as he traces white stripes over the point.

The shape that takes form complements the metallic curvature of the hood. This guy is a true master of his trade; a von Dutch of Deutschland. The finishing touches are applied to the hood ornament and a “dripping,” flowing design that seeps down the sides of the hood.

ACK2 is a custom-paint automotive studio out of Frankfurt, Germany that specializes in airbrushing, pinstriping, lining and lettering. Claiming a “distinctive style of art in the areas of graffiti and urban art,” they have made a name for themselves by combining artists of different fields to bring their projects a devoted yet thorough approach.  

Check these guys out on their website, and at their Facebook page. They have done some truly excellent pieces, including a Yamaha R6 and a  Ford LTD 200. Here’s to wishing them Godspeed and future success!