In the sixth episode of #GivingLifeColour | The Talk Show, HB BODY and Jane Sabanikou welcome Lefteris Kalliontzis, an automotive painter and TikToker from the island Mytilene.
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Lefteris discovered his passion for painting early on. He started working in the workshop at the age of 10, right beside his father, the man who taught him everything about the craft. What continues to fascinate him most is the gloss and finish of the final result, the moment when colour truly comes to life.
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Throughout the conversation, he shares his thoughts on the challenges and beauty of his profession. He explains that three-layer coatings and yellow shades are among the most demanding applications, while revealing one of his personal secrets: even the masking process plays a key role in achieving a flawless finish.
Lefteris’ journey on TikTok began as a way to share his daily work, from techniques and colour mixing to the materials he trusts. His videos reflect not just his skill, but also his belief that you must truly love this profession to master it. As he says, attention to every detail makes all the difference.
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Working on an island, he notes, also presents unique challenges. The sea air can affect colours and finishes, making the choice of quality materials even more important. Among the hundreds of cars he has painted, he remembers a Jaguar that stood out as one of his most special projects.
If he had a signature colour, Lefteris says it would be called Vitalis (from the Latin vita, meaning life) a fresh, spring green that captures his passion for his work.
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I fell in love with this job because of colour.
– Lefteris Kalliontzis
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