If people have never paint shells before it hard to understand.

Most of us do it in our spare time, Along side full time jobs, family,Racing etc...
There is never enough days in the week!

You have to enjoy the painting, If your enjoying what you do your paint work is always better!

Mike is a Painting Legend :)

Don't want to spoil the thread, but my 2p worth...

The entire idea that 'painters' should be treated like contractors that are being paid to a do a job is, for me anyway - crazy. Most people paints for peanuts. I see it more like a favour/service where fellow racers who can paint, do so for a vastly discounted sum for the love of it and for the benefit of others.

Obviously some can make some money out of it, but as an example the UK Indoor masters shells I did, worked out I charged £2.50 an hour, that's without factoring in the cost of paints / mask / vinyl and the rest. So far, iv'e spent over £700 on airbrushes / compressor / paints / vinyl / vinyl cutter etc.....

£2.50 an hour is good going too. One of my painting pals, worked his shells out to around 50p an hour.....

And even though i've painted quite a few shells, in real terms, i'm still out of pocket. Might by 2015 before I break even !

i have timed quiet a few jobs, and only included direct time spent on the job IE painting masking or cutting out, at £5 a hour every paint job would be around 40-50 quid not including paint costs/electric etc no one is going to pay that,

Quality Shells, always a pleasure! :thumbsup:

:rolleyes: ...hence why I only do it for mates!! Plus the fact that I wouldn't want to give up any more of my spare time than I do already. Therefore - maximum respect to the likes of Mike, Jon & co that do this commercially.

I'd also turn away any job that is too complicated for my abilities or maybe even too boring for it to be rewarding !

You don't make any money doing this ! I do just enjoy the process.

Just really wanted to get mikes thread back to what it is really for an that is showing off his amazing work.

:)

Been using mike now for over 3 years and he has done many shells for me.

Really trust worthy guy that puts his heart and soul into his work.

He also gives back to the sport as well by supporting a Team of drivers as well.

Heres my latest shell hes done for my Durango DESC410R

Attachment 48670Attachment 48671

Dont forget as well that hes reacently started up Number5RC.

Cheers matey.

See here my latest bodyshells from Mike. The design is exactly how I wanted it, and the application and finish is equal to the best I have seen :thumbsup:. They even made my car go faster :woot: Thanks very much Mike, stunning stuff as always.

511
 

Here's a couple of pictures of my 501x with a Mike Parker masterpiece shell fitted.
I have to say this the best shell i've ever seen! The detail & shading is outstanding!
Thanks again Mike

http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps130b118a.jpg

http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps45205bff.jpg

Hi Predos20. Since I first saw the shells that Mike has done for you I just fell in love with your colour schemes. Your choices of colours are very similar to mine, but I have difficulty applying those colours to a suitable design. Mike does my shells and I have to say his interpretation of colours and design are just awseome.
I have now managed to evolve my current design to one that is more unique to me, rather than copying something that I have seen elsewhere. This is what I have ended up doing in the past. I can now say that my shells, like yours are totally unique, and not like anybody else.
I also have to agree, that I think your Tamiya shell is just out of this world, and quite possibly the best that Mike has done. I think Mike should consider re-branding. Maybe Number 1 Designs.
Well done Pedros20 on a top design, and also to our magician with the spray gun Lord Parker.

501 pics
 

Thanks Brian for the kind words on my colour scheme, I sometimes think of changing it but I can't think of anything any better! Lol.
As for Mike, they just keep getting better! This 501 shell is amazing in the flesh!

My shell recently done by Mike.. say no more!


http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps02b154d6.jpg

Looks awesome mate. So is it being used every meeting or are we still going to be seeing a white rocket heading down the main straight?? ;)

Hi Jamie. For sure. Your shell has come out really nice. Another top job from Mike. i have to say though that when it comes to design, you have the advantage on me due to your 3 years at uni studying graphic design. I reckon your new shell will make you 1 second a lap faster. Maybe we should swap your wheels around:) Looking forward to seeing your shell in the flesh. May pop down in the morning, although I will not be racing till next week.

Hey guys thanks again for dropping in :)

Jas, Chris, Pete, Brian, Jamie - Always great to see the car shots with the shells on, hopefully see you all at some point this year :)

MikeP

Been looking through this thread and your website and cant see most if not all of the pics youve posted !!! :eh?:

Hey Steve yeah this has been mentioned already :)

Basically I've gone to a different host for the pics & images. Both sites will be having a revamp, especially the shell painting one so have had to wipe the slate clean so to speak....

MikeP

Spoke to Mike recently and watched him prepare a shell.. still can,t believe what he achieves with liquid mask and a craft knife !!:drool: talk about a steady hand !! A true artist, great work.

Those 2 shells posted look outstanding. I really cant wait to get mine! Pics will be incoming as soon as :drool:

You won't be disappointed!.:)

If your working it out to £2.50 an hour then youre taking too long to paint them. When I'm on a roll I'd be pushing £7-10/hr otherwise they're not worth doing. I personally wouldn't do them for anything less, as that is what my time is worth.

:)