Custom paint: Pushing the boundaries of possibility

Posted: 16 Nov 2013

Altamura Concepts specialises in motorcycle and custom paintwork, and have worked on commissions for Damian Hirst, Ewan McGregor, Harley-Davidson, Puma and Arai to name just a few. With a reputation as an innovator in the industry, Altamura is constantly investing in new motorcycle engineering, paint technology and equipment to ensure it remains one of the premier custom paint companies in Europe.

Altamura Concepts is currently giving the five Piaggio Fly 125 scooters in Bennetts’ latest competition a funky makeover, so we grabbed a few minutes with Warwick Binks, Technical Operations Manager, to see how things are going…

Q. Tell us a bit more about Altamura Concepts

“Altamura was founded in 2000 and was acquired by BLD Group in 2012. Since then we have grown from one paint shop to three, and continue to excel in our first-class reputation in creativity, quality and service. Altamura Concepts continuously push the boundaries of new and exciting visual paint effects to a range of products.

“If it’s new and unusual and you never have seen it before – think Altamura!”

Q. How long have you been in the industry?

“I have been involved in paint, design and product R&D for many well-known companies now for just over 21 years.”

Q. What makes your work unique?  

“Our staff and dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is known to be possible. We strive on taking an idea that is impossible and turning it into a reality.”

Q. What can you tell us about the process of painting the Bennetts competition Piaggio Fly 125s?

“The first challenge was the iPhone 5c colours. To match the vibrancy we added fluorescents to each colour to gain the correct look. The next stage was to add several coats of the glow in the dark paint. This will help the bikes to be more noticeable in the dark. A great added safety feature which will also be added to the helmets too.

“To give a soft, luxury and expensive feel, we next add a soft touch matt clear coat. While difficult to spray and get the correct effect, the result is out of this world.”

Q. How long does it take to paint each scooter?

“Creating a new and unique paint job isn’t something that can be done in a jiffy. Each separate product painted to the bike requires great care, and adding them all together can create its own set of challenges but that of course is where Altamura excels! Each scooter has taken about 15 hours to complete.”

Q. And each paint scheme is unique, right?

“The beautiful thing about custom paintwork is that every job is unique. Some jobs of course are more unique than others. As far as we know, this is the first time that a bike has been painted fluorescent and glow in the dark with a soft touch matt clear coat. We challenge you to show us another one!”

Q. What's the most exciting project you've worked on?

“It’s always the next project. As we are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible it’s always exciting to see what we can do next.”

If you’re looking for an easier, cheaper and more fun commute to work, check out Bennetts’ latest competition to win one of five packages including a Piaggio Fly 125 scooter, matching iPhone 5c and Nolan Bluetooth helmet. Find out more here: http://bit.ly/H5EILu