The 1960 - 1966 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Factory Correct Restoration Thread

[60-66]

Originally Posted by oem4me

Yep, all GM cars were spayed with "Magic Mirror" acrylic lacquer as I remember, but the trucks got enamel. This is one reason trucks display the most killer patina from that era. When lacquer ages, it cracks or "checks" which can lead to an alligator skin look, where as trucks and their enamel paint jobs fade evenly and thin out to zero without flaking off.
I did not know that saying about painting one over the other. In fact, from my experience painting cars, I know lacquer is chemically much "hotter" than enamel, which would mean enamel can go over lacquer, but not the other way. In most cases lacquer will lift underlying enamel unless a sealer is applied first.

Maybe I have it backward ?