2007 GMC Sierra - Cover Truck Paint Process

Rendering: Daniel Reyna

Lexus' slogan is "The endless pursuit of perfection," and that mantra can be attributed to this month's cover truck owner Mike Matamoros. His '06 Silverado graced our pages in '09, but Mike wanted more-he wanted perfection. When we told him that his Chevy was a very nice truck, he quickly countered with, "My next one will be cover worthy." Living up to his word, he went out and bought a '07 GMC Sierra and began the process of building a wild custom. Flames were at the top of his list, but not just a little hot lick here and there, no, Mike wanted his truck engulfed. Seeking out the painting talents of Dave Flint, of Pristine Image Custom Paint and Body, and flame guru Pat Maxwell, of Maxwell Auto Design, Mike had himself a duo that would turn his truck from daily driver to cover truck masterpiece. Check out how they did it, and if your truck needs some color, be sure to contact Dave or Pat.

Mike's first truck build was this beautiful '06 Chevy. As with most things in life, Mike wanted more than just a "nice" truck, so he set out to have his next truck really turn heads.
Mike's first truck build was this beautiful '06 Chevy. As with most things in life, Mike w
Arriving at Pristine Image Custom Paint and Body, in Humble, Texas, Dave Flint applied the DuPont black basecoat to Mike's '07 Sierra. Pat Maxwell then stepped in for a wild flame paintjob. Step one was to lay out the extra-wide tape.
Arriving at Pristine Image Custom Paint and Body, in Humble, Texas, Dave Flint applied the
Using Daniel Reyna's rendering as inspiration, Pat began drawing out each flame, lick by lick.
Using Daniel Reyna's rendering as inspiration, Pat began drawing out each flame, lick by l

Different color markers allowed Pat to draw the different color flames that would intertwine and overlap each other.
Different color markers allowed Pat to draw the different color flames that would intertwi
Satisfied with the design and layout, Pat began the process of "weeding" out flames. Pat prefers to use moderate pressure to cut through the tape, which leaves the to-be-painted flames exposed.
Satisfied with the design and layout, Pat began the process of "weeding" out flames. Pat p
The passenger side was used as a template for the driver-side. Pat traced the flame pattern onto the paper and he'll then use it to create the driver-side flames.
The passenger side was used as a template for the driver-side. Pat traced the flame patter

Tedious but extremely important, each flame was weeded out on the driver side and tailgate.
Tedious but extremely important, each flame was weeded out on the driver side and tailgate
Mike's GMC Sierra was beginning to take on the appearance of a truly custom ride. It was now ready for final prep and a short trip to the paint booth.
Mike's GMC Sierra was beginning to take on the appearance of a truly custom ride. It was n
Dave Flint then rolled the Sierra in the spray booth and applied the DuPont Daytona Blue paint, leaving the masked off area the base black.
Dave Flint then rolled the Sierra in the spray booth and applied the DuPont Daytona Blue p

Pat used his airbrush gun to apply the flame drop shadows. This is extremely important for creating depth and the realistic overlapping look Mike was going for.
Pat used his airbrush gun to apply the flame drop shadows. This is extremely important for
Each lick then received a pinstripe in a custom-mixed blue-green color.
Here you can see how the pinstriping and drop shadows complement each other and work together to create the dramatic effect.
Here you can see how the pinstriping and drop shadows complement each other and work toget

The Sierra was then rolled into the paint booth to receive the DuPont clearcoat.
The hood gives you a great look at just how effective Pat's design and Dave's painting proved to be in turning this GMC into a cover truck.
The hood gives you a great look at just how effective Pat's design and Dave's painting pro
In the Texas sunshine, the Daytona Blue looks incredible.