Exploring Car Paint: The Art and Journey with Randy Borchiding
About this episode
Randy Borchiding from Painthouse shares his fascinating journey into the world of automotive paint, starting from childhood model building to becoming a successful paint engineer. He discusses the evolution of his craft, the importance of a clean painting environment, and the art of creating custom colors. The conversation also touches on the challenges of painting cars, the significance of temperature control, and his latest projects, including a unique 1968 Oldsmobile. Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of car painting and the creativity involved in color mixing.
Randy Borchiding's colorful journey from model car enthusiast to custom paint specialist unfolds with charm and practical wisdom. What started with Testors spray cans and a childhood model contest victory evolved into a full-fledged career creating custom colors for show-stopping vehicles.
Randy pulls back the curtain on his early days, revealing how he built his first professional paint booth using nothing more than PVC pipes, plastic sheeting, and box fans with air conditioning filters. "Don't feel like you can't accomplish something just literally in your garage because you don't have a $50,000 box," he encourages, sharing how cars painted in this humble setup went on to compete at prestigious shows like the Grand National Roaster Show.
The science behind the art proves fascinating as Randy explains the critical role of temperature in modern urethane painting. Working in environments below 50 degrees can leave paint jobs permanently sticky or mushy – a costly lesson he learned firsthand. His process for creating custom colors evolved organically from customer requests to modify OEM shades, resulting in approximately 50 signature colors that he can reproduce consistently.
Currently preparing a hot pink 1968 Roadrunner (aptly named "Ransberry") for the upcoming SEMA show, Randy shares the pressure and timeline of readying show cars for major events. His other project, a 1968 Oldsmobile convertible, demonstrates his versatility – maintaining period-correct aesthetics while incorporating modern performance with an LS3 engine disguised to look like an original Oldsmobile powerplant.
The episode also features Jeff's Motor Minute discussing NASCAR's potential horsepower increase to 750 for the 2026 season, followed by Don's enthusiastic review of the 2025 Mazda MX5 Miata Anniversary Edition. Despite having just 181 horsepower, the Miata's exceptional power-to-weight ratio delivers thrilling performance with remarkable efficiency.
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Mazda Mx5
"Welcome to another in-wheel-time podcast. The 30-minutes version of the in-wheel-tune car. I guess we'll put that item away if you remember correctly. You didn't need it. I made a big mistake, didn't I? I can't let it down. I'm always reminded of these mistakes that I make, but whatever. Hello and good morning everybody and welcome to the in-wheel-time car talk. Shut up, shut up. In-wheel-time car talk. Talk show, it is Saturday, September 27th, 2025. Glad you could join us today and we welcome you. Coming up, Painthouse's Randy Bortjeding, talking about his journey to become a successful paint engineer and mixologist. And those are my words today. Yeah. I'm going to give him a minute. Sure. Jeff has this week's motor minute. I'll also give you my thoughts on driving the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata. All of that more coming up in this segment of the in-wheel-time car talk show. With Mike out of this world Mars, who if you're watching on video, you can see him over there on the right hand side of the screen. Is he frozen again? Yeah. Yeah, he is. And then over on the left hand side, live and in living color. There he is. Me and my pocket Jeff. And then they're at the bottom of the screen. Here he is, ladies and gentlemen. Our man of the hour, Randy Bortjeding. Painthouse. And good to see you, Randy. Thanks for joining us today. And I'm not going to get sidetracked today because the only reason that we had you back so soon is because"
The Mazda MX-5, or Miata, is a small sports car that’s really fun to drive. The RF version has a roof that can open and close, so you can enjoy the sunshine or keep it covered. People talk about it because it's known for being a great car for driving enthusiasts without costing too much.
The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata, is a lightweight two-seater sports car that has gained a reputation for its exceptional handling and driving enjoyment. The RF variant features a retractable fastback roof, combining the thrill of open-top driving with a more coupe-like silhouette. It's often discussed for its iconic status in the sports car world and its affordability.
Mazda Miata
"...ve you my thoughts on driving the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata. All of that more coming up in this segment of th..."
Mazda MX-5 Miata
"...my thoughts on driving the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata. All of that more coming up in this segment of the in-wheel-time car talk show."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that is fun to drive. The 2025 version is the latest model and is known for being light and easy to handle, making it great for driving enthusiasts.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. The 2025 model continues the tradition of providing an engaging open-top driving experience with a focus on performance and style.
Buick Grand National
"...ctually did pretty good work. We took cars to the Grand National Roaster Show that were painted in a homemade pain..."
The Buick Grand National is a fast car from the 1980s that looks pretty simple but can really zoom. It has a special engine that makes it powerful, which surprised a lot of people back then. It's talked about because it’s a cool example of a car that doesn’t look flashy but can really perform well.
The Buick Grand National is a high-performance version of the Buick Regal produced in the 1980s, notable for its turbocharged V6 engine and blacked-out styling. It gained a cult following for its impressive speed and performance, especially in a time when fuel efficiency was becoming more important. The Grand National is often discussed for its unique place in automotive history and its status as a sleeper car.
overspray
"Well, I would say two reasons. Number one is you don't want all the over spray going everywhere. It's your neighbors probably aren't going to like it and it tends to land on things and not want to come off."
Overspray is when paint accidentally gets on things that you didn't want to paint. It can make a mess and annoy your neighbors if you're painting outside.
Overspray refers to the paint that lands outside the intended area during the painting process. It can create a mess and potentially damage nearby objects, which is why controlled environments like paint booths are preferred.
metallic paint
"A lot of these finishes are very sensitive to that. Metallics and pearls. Any time you get something that lands in the paint, they tend to amplify themselves and you see them bigger than they actually are."
Metallic paint is a type of car paint that has tiny pieces of metal in it, making it shiny. If dust or bugs get in it while it's drying, they can show up more than they would in regular paint.
Metallic paint contains tiny metal flakes that give it a shiny appearance. These finishes are sensitive to contaminants during application, as any dirt or debris can become more visible and distort the final look.
urethane paint
"True. In the world of urethane paint, which is what I live in, it's a 50 degrees to however hot it is window, but you get under 55 or 50 degrees."
Urethane paint is a strong type of paint used on cars that lasts a long time. It needs to be applied at the right temperature to work well, or it won't dry properly.
Urethane paint is a type of automotive paint known for its durability and resistance to chemicals and UV light. It requires specific temperature conditions to cure properly, making application conditions critical.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...this silver that they've come out with this on the Corvette. But can you start there and let's customize it a little bit?"
The Corvette is a fast and stylish car made by Chevrolet. It's famous for being a sports car that many people love to drive.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its sleek design and powerful engines. It has a long history and is often associated with American muscle and sports car culture.
SEMA
"...Did any of you take any of those to SEMA? The big model cars..."
SEMA is a big car show in Las Vegas where people show off customized cars and aftermarket parts. It's a place for car lovers to see the latest trends and innovations.
SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts an annual trade show in Las Vegas showcasing aftermarket automotive products and custom vehicles. It's a key event for car enthusiasts and industry professionals.
1968 Road Runner
"...MTI up in college station has done a beautiful job on the 68 road runner. It's a I'm going to call it a hot pink..."
The 1968 Road Runner is a famous muscle car from Plymouth. It's known for being fast and affordable, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and distinctive styling. It was designed to be a budget-friendly option for buyers looking for a powerful vehicle.
Dodge Road Runner
"...came up with a very loud color and put it on this road runner and hopefully it gets people's attention. We'll s..."
The Dodge Road Runner is a classic car from the muscle car era, known for being fast and powerful. It has a fun cartoon character as its logo, which makes it stand out. People talk about it because it represents a cool time in car history when speed and style were really important.
The Dodge Road Runner is a classic muscle car that was produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its performance and distinctive cartoon-themed branding. It became famous for its powerful engines and lightweight design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors. The Road Runner is often discussed for its iconic status in American automotive history.
bumpers
"...there's a few items that still need to go in the car, front rear bumpers, some lower trim panels..."
Bumpers are the parts at the front and back of a car that help protect it in case of a crash. They also make the car look nicer.
Bumpers are protective components located at the front and rear of a vehicle, designed to absorb impact during collisions and protect the car's body and occupants. They can also enhance the vehicle's aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Oldsmobile Convertible
"Yeah. Got it. Let's talk briefly here about what you got in the shop. Obviously that's a good looking oldsmobile behind you convertible. Sixty eight. What year is that? Sixty eight."
The 1968 Oldsmobile Convertible is a classic car that can be recognized by its open-top design. It's a symbol of American automotive culture from the late 1960s.
The Oldsmobile Convertible from 1968 is a classic American car known for its stylish design and performance. It represents a significant era in automotive history when convertibles were highly popular.
LS3
"It's on a art Morrison chassis has a retro decorated LS three, but it looks like an oldsmobile engine."
The LS3 is a powerful engine made by General Motors. It's often used in sports cars and is liked by car fans for its speed and performance.
The LS3 is a high-performance V8 engine produced by General Motors, known for its power and reliability. It's commonly used in various performance vehicles and is popular among car enthusiasts for engine swaps.
remanufactured kits
"So this car will have a much more traditional look and feel about it, but still drive like a modern hot rod. That's the best. Now when you do this, you don't you don't go outside an outside source to do like, you know, remanufactured door cards and stuff like that."
Remanufactured kits are parts that have been rebuilt or restored to work like new again. They're often used in older cars to replace worn-out pieces while keeping the car looking original.
Remanufactured kits refer to replacement parts that are restored to a like-new condition, often replicating original specifications. These kits are popular for restoring classic cars, allowing owners to maintain the authenticity of their vehicles while ensuring functionality.
reproduction
"In this case, there are good, you know, repop or remanufactured kits out there, particularly in the GM and forward world, where you can get a very nice reproduction of the original and it's quality stuff."
Reproduction parts are new pieces made to look and work like the original parts of a car. They help keep older cars looking and functioning like they did when they were first made.
Reproduction parts are aftermarket components designed to replicate the original parts of a vehicle. They are often used in restorations to maintain the car's original appearance and functionality.
GM
"In this case, there are good, you know, repop or remanufactured kits out there, particularly in the GM and forward world, where you can get a very nice reproduction of the original and it's quality stuff."
GM stands for General Motors, a big company that makes many different car brands. They are known for their classic cars and parts that help restore them.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. They have a significant presence in the automotive restoration market, particularly for classic cars.
Ford
"In this case, there are good, you know, repop or remanufactured kits out there, particularly in the GM and forward world, where you can get a very nice reproduction of the original and it's quality stuff."
Ford is a well-known car company that makes many types of vehicles, including trucks and cars. They also provide parts for restoring older Ford cars.
Ford is a major American automotive manufacturer known for its wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and cars. The brand has a rich history in the automotive industry and is also involved in the restoration market for classic Ford vehicles.
LS engine
"Well, I'm curious as to the look that you achieved the stock look under the hood with an LS engine."
An LS engine is a type of V8 engine made by General Motors. It's popular because it's powerful and reliable, making it a favorite for many car enthusiasts.
The LS engine is a series of V8 engines produced by General Motors, known for their performance, reliability, and lightweight design. They are commonly used in various performance and custom vehicles due to their versatility and power potential.
crossover intake
"...it's got the original old mobile gold paint crossover intake. Yeah. It's got headers on it..."
A crossover intake is a part of the engine that helps air flow better into it, which can make the engine run more efficiently and produce more power.
A crossover intake refers to an intake manifold design that allows for better airflow and performance by connecting the intake runners from both sides of the engine. This design can help improve the engine's efficiency and power output.
headers
"...it's got headers on it. And now we're the those those valve covers. They look like the old Corvette valve covers..."
Headers are special pipes that help the exhaust gases leave the engine faster, which can make the car perform better and be more powerful.
Headers are aftermarket exhaust components that replace the factory exhaust manifold. They improve engine performance by allowing exhaust gases to exit the engine more efficiently, which can enhance horsepower and torque.
valve covers
"...the old Corvette valve covers that I used to have. They're a little stout, aren't they?"
Valve covers are parts that cover the top of the engine to keep oil inside and dirt out. They can also make the engine look nicer.
Valve covers are protective covers that sit on top of the engine's cylinder head, sealing the area where the valves are located. They help keep oil in and dirt out, and can also add aesthetic appeal to the engine bay.
hot rod
"...it's a traditional hot rod valve cover that I don't know. It just look kind of cool..."
A hot rod is a car that has been changed to make it faster and look cooler, usually based on older cars. People often customize them a lot.
A hot rod is a modified car, typically an older model, that has been enhanced for performance, speed, and style. Hot rods often feature custom engines, body modifications, and unique paint jobs.
NASCAR
"NASCAR is rumored to increase horsepower to 750 in the next gen cars in 2026. Check this out."
NASCAR is a big racing organization in the U.S. where cars race on oval tracks. It's known for its exciting races and unique cars.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. It features a unique set of rules and car specifications that distinguish it from other racing series.
horsepower
"NASCAR is rumored to increase horsepower to 750 in the next gen cars in 2026. Check this out."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a car's acceleration and overall performance.
next generation car
"NASCAR introduced the next generation car in 2022 season, and the horsepower changed comparatively to the Gen 6 vehicle instead of 550 horsepower and 750 horsepower, depending on the package and the track."
The next generation car is a new type of race car that NASCAR is using, which is designed to be faster and safer than the older models.
The next generation car in NASCAR refers to a new design and set of specifications that aim to improve performance, safety, and competitiveness. This generation includes changes in aerodynamics, chassis design, and engine specifications.
Gen 6 vehicle
"...the horsepower changed comparatively to the Gen 6 vehicle instead of 550 horsepower and 750 horsepower, depending on the package and the track."
The Gen 6 vehicle is an older type of race car used in NASCAR before the new models were introduced. It was designed to be safer and faster than earlier cars.
The Gen 6 vehicle in NASCAR refers to the sixth generation of stock cars used in the series, which was introduced in 2013. It featured a more aerodynamic design and improvements in safety and performance compared to previous generations.
carburetor
"And the next gen cars size of the spacer, you mean underneath the carburetor?"
A carburetor is a part of an engine that helps mix fuel and air so the engine can run. Some older cars and racing cars still use them instead of newer fuel injection systems.
A carburetor is a device in an engine that mixes air with fuel for combustion. While many modern cars use fuel injection systems, carburetors are still used in some racing applications for their simplicity and performance characteristics.
Daytona
"...I've actually been to Daytona."
Daytona is a well-known racetrack in Florida where many exciting car races happen, including the big Daytona 500 race. It's famous for fast cars and thrilling competitions.
Daytona refers to the Daytona International Speedway, a famous racetrack in Daytona Beach, Florida, known for hosting the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. The track is known for its high speeds and challenging layout.
torque
"...181 horsepower, 151 pound feet of torque. But let me tell you this."
Torque tells you how much twisting force the engine can produce. It's important for how quickly a car can speed up, especially from a stop.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in vehicles translates to the engine's ability to do work. It's crucial for acceleration and pulling power, especially at lower speeds.
power to weight ratio
"Power to weight ratio is awesome. What could use improvement?"
Power to weight ratio tells you how much power a car has compared to how heavy it is. If a car is lighter but has a strong engine, it usually goes faster and handles better.
Power to weight ratio is a measure of performance that compares the power of a vehicle's engine to its weight. A higher ratio typically indicates better acceleration and handling.
road course racetrack
"...that can cut a rug around a road course racetrack. And if you want to go and have some real fun,"
A road course racetrack is a place where cars can race on a track with lots of turns and straight sections. It's different from an oval track and is used for testing handling and speed.
A road course racetrack is a type of racing circuit that features a series of turns and straights, allowing for high-speed cornering and acceleration. These tracks are designed for sports cars and racing events.
Toyota GR86
"So here are the competitors. The Toyota GR86 starts at $30.400."
The Toyota GR86 is a small sports car that is fun to drive and has a rear-wheel-drive setup, which means the back wheels get the power from the engine.
The Toyota GR86 is a compact sports car known for its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout, making it popular among driving enthusiasts.
Subaru Brz
"The Subaru BRZ starts at $33.210."
The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that is similar to the Toyota GR86, designed for people who enjoy driving and want a fun experience.
The Subaru BRZ is a sports coupe that shares its platform with the Toyota GR86, offering similar performance and driving dynamics, appealing to enthusiasts.
Mazda 3
"... going to step up from that. It would be what the Mazda 3. To be a little bit larger."
The Mazda 3 is a small car that comes in two shapes: a sedan (which has a trunk) and a hatchback (which has a back that opens up for more space). It's popular because it looks good, drives well, and is good on gas. People like to talk about it because it's a smart choice for a daily driver.
The Mazda 3, known as the Axela in some markets, is a compact car that offers a blend of style, performance, and efficiency. It's available in both sedan and hatchback forms, making it versatile for different preferences. The Mazda 3 is often discussed for its engaging driving dynamics and high-quality interior.
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