The Atelier - color studio

European Automotive Restorations

"Crafted with intention. delivered with excellence"

To my Clients

"Built to last, not scroll past."

To my clients, I want to be transparent: my goal is not to deliver something rushed or average-it's to deliver something exceptional. I'm committed to quality over shortcuts, and I believe in taking the time necessary to get things right. Every project I take on is handled with care, intention, and a focus on long term value. I'm not here to meet the bare minimum-I'm here to exceed expectations and create work that truly stands out. Greatness is not rushed-it is is thoughtfully developed, refined, and delivered with purpose. You deserve something real, somethings excellent-and that's exactly what I'm working to deliver. This is the standard I hold myself to, and it's the level of value I intend to bring.

-Gary Dulin Jr

The Art of Metal: Inside the World of High-End Automotive Panel Refinement, Restoration and finish work

Where Craft Meets Obsession

There’s something sacred about restoring a classic car. Not just bolting on shiny parts or slapping on fresh paint—but bringing a machine back to life, panel by panel, line by line. This isn’t your average body shop job. This is craftsmanship. This is art.

Welcome to the world of high-end panel refinement, finish work, and restoration—where perfection isn’t a goal, it’s the baseline.

Refining body panels isn’t just about making metal smooth. It’s about understanding the car’s original character, its curves, its flaws—and respecting all of it. It’s a practice built on patience, precision, and pride.

Every contour has to be right. Every surface has to flow. Every edge has to feel like it was born, not made.

This work takes time. It takes feel. It takes decades to master

Once the metalwork is dialed, the finish work begins—sanding, priming, block sanding, more sanding, and finally, paint. Not just color, but depth. A finish so rich and smooth it feels like glass and glows under any light.

It’s a process that can take hundreds of hours. Why? Because you’re not just painting a car—you’re finishing a sculpture.

This is a world where 1mm matters. Where your tools are extensions of your hands. Where your ego takes a back seat to the metal in front of you.

To truly restore a car is to become part of its story. You’re honoring its past while shaping its future. It demands more than technical skill—it demands heart. And the best in the game don’t chase the spotlight. They chase excellence.

You can’t fake this kind of work. You live it.

The Takeaway?

High-end automotive refinement and restoration isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about resurrecting beauty, preserving legacy, and committing to a craft that most will never fully understand.

It’s not just metal. It’s memory, history, and soul—refined by human hands.

PPF Disclosure
Best Practice for Fresh Finishes

Paint Protection Film (PPF) Warranty Disclosure for Glasurit 90 Line Paint

At The Atelier, we are committed to delivering exceptional quality and ensuring the longevity of your vehicle's finish. To uphold the integrity of both the Glasurit 90 Line paint system and the applied Paint Protection Film (PPF), it's crucial to understand the curing requirements and associated risks of premature application.

Understanding Glasurit 90 Line Paint Curing

Glasurit 90 Line is a high-performance waterborne basecoat system designed for professional use. While it offers rapid drying times, the complete curing process involves the evaporation of residual solvents and full hardening of the paint film. This curing phase is essential to achieve optimal adhesion and durability.

Applying PPF or sealants before the paint has fully cured can lead to several issues:

Solvent Trapping: Residual solvents may become trapped beneath the film, causing bubbling, hazing, or blistering.
Adhesion Problems: The film's adhesive may not bond correctly to a soft, fresh finish, risking future delamination or failure of the PPF.
Surface Distortion: Installation tools or slip solutions may mar or imprint into an improperly cured clear coat, causing visual defects.

Our Policy and Recommendations

Mandatory Waiting Period: We require a minimum of 30 days curing time after any fresh paint application using Glasurit 90 Line before applying PPF or sealants.

Warranty Limitations: Applying PPF or sealants before the paint has fully cured may void both the paint and PPF warranties.

1. Incomplete Paint Curing

Risk: Solvents in the paint may still be evaporating during the curing process. Trapping these solvents with a non-breathable film like PPF can cause paint to bubble, lift, or discolor.
Why it matters: Even if paint feels dry to the touch, it can take 30–90 days to fully cure depending on type (urethane, enamel, waterborne) and environmental conditions.

2. Adhesion Failure

Risk: Fresh paint may not have fully hardened or bonded to the substrate. Installing PPF too early can lead to poor adhesion or pulling paint when repositioning or removing the film.
Why it matters: Especially on repainted panels or aftermarket paint jobs, bond strength is lower during early curing.

3. Outgassing and Blemishes

Risk: Freshly applied paint will outgas. Trapping this under PPF can create visual distortions like blisters, cloudiness, or delamination.
Why it matters: This is especially problematic on horizontal panels (hood, roof, trunk) that receive more heat.

4. Compromised Finish

Risk: PPF application involves squeegees, slip solutions, and light heat—all of which can mar or disturb uncured or soft clear coat finishes.
Why it matters: Even gentle pressure during installation can cause micro-marring or ghosting if the clear coat hasn’t hardened fully.

5. Warranty Voiding (Paint or Film)

Risk: Some paint manufacturers and PPF brands explicitly recommend waiting a specified cure time (often 30+ days) before film application.
Why it matters: Installing PPF too early may void either your paint warranty or PPF manufacturer’s warranty.

Best Practices

Wait Time: Ideally wait 30–60 days after a repaint before applying PPF, unless the painter uses a bake booth and gives clearance.
Get Written Clearance: If you must apply earlier, get written confirmation from the paint shop that the paint is fully cured.

Use Breathable Film or Ceramic Coating First: As a stop-gap, consider a temporary, breathable ceramic coating to protect the paint during curing.

OUR WORK