A ghost flame should have a smoky residue surrounding it.
Ghost flames are painted-on flames that have a smoky or hazy finish. These graphics can enhance a car, boat, motorcycle, RV or an airplane. To paint a ghost flame, you must start with a complete painted flame and bodywork, according to Hot Rodders. Painted ghost flames can help give your vehicle dynamic color or the illusion that it is longer, if you paint the ghost flames short or long, respectively.
Instructions
1. Prep the surface by dampening a cloth with some hand soap and wiping dry the area to be painted.
2. Sketch your ghost flames then tape off the flames with painter's tape. Use the remaining tape and construction paper or newspaper to cover exposed areas.
3. Mix your base coat according to the instructions on your can, put the paint into the airbrush cup, then spray the surface. Trace along the edge of your taped flame to leave an outline. Let the paint dry for about 30 minutes. Reapply another coat and let it dry, then carefully take off the painter's tape.
4. Clean out the airbrush cup. Wipe it down with hot water and soap.
5. Smooth out the flames. Wet a piece of 2000 or 2200-grade sandpaper and carefully rub the grit into the object. This lifts up any pieces of leftover tape and brings up an adhesive residue.
6. Mix pearl dust and the clear lacquer in the airbrush cup, then spray the flame. Let the clear coat settle for approximately one to three hours, then reapply the coating mixture. Reapply the pearl dust three or four times, as a single coating is invisible in the sun.
7. Re-sand the flame in four days. Using the same grade of wet sandpaper, carefully sand the flame to achieve a greater depth in the paint and more visibility.
