GETTING DOWN TO THE DETAIL WITH JAMIE
Stu: How do you develop a project?
Jamie: “Everything is done ‘in house’. Before we start the job we discuss the customer’s ideas with them and advise the best options before they bring the scooter to us. In the lead up to the scooter arriving, Jenna will complete the digital designs for the customer to approve. Once the scooter arrives, the customer receives constant progress photos of each stage to make sure they’re happy with each part of the process.
“The prepping process then begins. Jenna starts by prepping the materials and equipment she will need for the artwork and designs. In the meantime, I start the basepaint and then we work together completing the pinstriping, graphics and murals.
“When that’s finished I complete the final stages of the job with lacquering, de-nibbing and buffing. Our total turnaround aim for a full custom scooter is 4-6 weeks. However, if the job is a simple colour change or patterns and lettering the turnaround can be about 2-3 weeks.”
Stu: How do you develop a theme when you’ve been commissioned to complete a project?
Jamie: “We develop our ideas from a diverse and wide range of resources to make them into something special. For example, when we were commissioned to complete a John Wick themed scooter, the customer sent us a rough idea of the images they wanted to use. The images that they’d chosen didn’t sit right, so having discussed the matter with the customer Jenna completed her own research to develop her own digital sketches, which turned out perfectly.
“If I have a pinstriping or race theme to complete, I sit down with my precision tape and develop patterns until one fits the idea. We never copy anyone else’s work, or if we’re asked to complete a project, which has the same theme as a previous job we’ll talk through the job with the customer to make sure that the final outcome will be unique.”
Stu: What do you seek to achieve when you’re completing a project?
Jamie: “The best results possible, precision pinstriping, glass-finish lacquering, overall quality and a tidy job that’s made to last.”
Stu: What is the most time-consuming part of a project?
Jamie: “The prepping process because you never know how it’s going to turn out. A so-called ‘straight’ scooter could show more damage after blasting than planned, which means spending more time on welding and repairs.”
Stu: What is the fundamental element of a paint job which is critical to achieving the best final outcome that you must get right?
Jamie: “Again, for us the most important part is the prep process. If this is not done properly it will not be strong enough and the whole paint job could lift or react when the scooter is being rebuilt or ridden.”
Stu: What gives you the greatest satisfaction when you’re completing a project?
Jamie: “We’ve completed projects for people who’ve been through some hard times and their scooter is the only thing that’s kept them going. We’ve also completed work for charity and restored a scooter, which had been stolen and was a surprise for a customer’s son. As well as this, we’ve completed projects which have involved a tribute to a loved one or a theme that symbolises a special time in a customer’s life.
“Knowing that we’ve contributed to their happiness always adds an extra special element to the satisfaction we get from completing a project, and the biggest reward is seeing the customer’s reaction when they see the final product in the flesh.”
Stu: What makes Relentless Paintworx stand out from other paint specialists and scooter restorers?
Jamie: “We are a young, family-run business who are developing new and inspiring ideas into our work. Our aim is to bring a modern edge to the scootering community.”
Although Jamie and Jenna were keen to take on the challenge, they were understandably apprehensive as it was their first ever scooter job. “We used some old side panels to practice each stage of the job taking them back to metal, etch-primed, 2k white, base-coat artwork then lacquer. After a lot of trial and error the scooter turned out really well and the final response from the owner and the scooter crowd was overwhelming.”
Having been pleased with the results and the feedback they’d received, Jamie and Jenna decided to set up a Facebook page, which went from strength to strength and since then they’ve developed an impressive portfolio of artwork-based custom scooters, street racers and dealer special replicas.
In early 2021, with Jenna facing an everincreasing volume of work, Jamie left his job and joined Jenna to work at Relentless Paintworx full time. It’s a decision that so far is bearing fruit and the couple marked the start of 2022 by moving into a purpose-built unit in their home town of Bradford.
If you’re interested in getting in touch to commission them to complete the work on your scooter you can contact Jamie or Jenna via the Relentless Paintworx Facebook page, Messenger or call them on: 07543 347171.
...the couple marked the start of 2022 by moving into a purpose-built unit in their home town of Bradford
Words and images: Stu Smith