About Airbrushathens
About Eleftherios Manthos
Foundations & Training
1997: Diploma in Preservation & Restoration of Archaeological Findings (4th Technical Vocational High School of Athens).
Apprenticeship with father/mentor Theodoros Manthos in classical drawing & Byzantine mural art; assisted on Greek Orthodox temple projects.
Airbrush Beginnings & Restoration Work
2001: Bought first airbrush; began professional airbrush/automotive painting (career span now ~24 years, 2001–present).
Worked on projects for the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Education & Religious Affairs, restoring ancient icons and murals, recreating figures/backgrounds where originals were lost.
Studio Launch & Exhibitions
2007: Founded Airbrushathens Studio (cars & motorcycles focus).
2007–2010: Took part in shows/events including Athens Tuning Show, Citroën DS3 Art Contest, and Dielpis Formula 1 Art & Design at the Hellenic Motor Museum (Athens)
2010: Completed Airbrush Action Getaway workshops (Las Vegas, USA)
Workshops and certifications with renowned artists Terry Hill, Edie Davis, Craig Fraser, Jeff Styles, and Dru Blair, covering advanced airbrushing, custom graphics, pinstriping, and fine-detail finishes.
UK Chapter & Custom Work
2013: Relocated permanently to the UK (London)
Established base in London producing custom artworks and paint jobs on helmets, motorcycle gas tanks, leather jackets, and other bespoke items. Focused on detailed airbrushing, unique designs, and durable high-quality finishes for private clients.
Recognition
2015: Awarded Top Gun Runner-Up at Kustom Kulture Blastoff (KKBo), showcasing custom airbrush artwork and pinstriping as the owner and lead artist of Airbrushathens, earning recognition within the custom art community.
2016: Exhibited work again at KKBo with Airbrushathens, continuing to showcase custom airbrush and pinstriping skills.
Supercar Manufacturing Experience
2016–2019: Spray Painter, McLaren HQ (Woking)
Worked on the production line, applying high-end paint finishes to McLaren’s range of supercars, including the 570S, 657LT, 720S, and Senna. Responsible for precision surface preparation, mixing and applying paints ensuring flawless, showroom-quality finishes on complex bodywork. Collaborated closely with the quality control team to meet strict brand standards and production deadlines, maintaining the high level of craftsmanship expected in the luxury automotive sector.
Specialisation & Restoration
2019: Focused on airbrushing and painting glass, refining techniques for spraying, layering, and baking paints to create lasting designs.
2020–2023: Automotive Spray Painter & Restorer – Classic & Historic Vehicles
Specialized in full restorations of high-value classic cars, notably Jaguar E-Types. Oversaw the complete refinishing process from bare metal to final detailing: surface preparation, bodywork, filler application, priming, high-end spraying, polishing, and finishing. Delivered bespoke paintwork to concours standards, ensuring authenticity, precision, and exceptional presentation for classic and custom vehicles
Current Role
2023–Present: Airbrushathens Studio / Spray Painter – Caterham 7 Factory
Operating Airbrushathens Studio, focusing on custom airbrush artwork and creative paint projects.
In parallel, working as a Spray Painter at the Caterham 7 Factory, responsible for preparing panels, priming, mixing and applying paint, and achieving precise, factory-standard finishes with consistent quality.
