Question on paint type

[Daves1940Buick56S]

I know my 1938 66S has had a repaint, likely in the 1980s but not sure of the timeframe. How can you tell what type of paint was used? I assumed it was some kind of single stage enamel but a friend looking at it swore it was lacquer. Is there a good way of telling?

 

Cheers, Dave

[Hubert_25-25]

Find an inconspicuous place and put some lacquer thinner on it and see if you get any reaction.  What do you want to do with it?  If the paint is solid (not cracking or coming loose), you could coat it with 2 coats of epoxy sealer to start.  This needs to be left to dry before moving forward to provide a barrier.  Then a light sanding to promote adhesion and you can begin the next phase.  Then with a coat or two of 2K primer, and then use a modern paint.  The norm was that you could put enamel over lacquer, but not lacquer over enamel due to the volatility of the lacquer thinner and you could end up getting the edges of the paint curling.  Are you just trying to do touch ups and closely match the paint on the car?         

[Daves1940Buick56S]

Actually, the paint is beautiful. It is black and the shine is miles deep. I just wanted to know in order to preserve it like it is.

 

Cheers, Dave

[Plain City Harley]

Dave,

If it's not already cracking it's likely an enamel paint unless it's always been climate controlled. PPG Deltron was pretty common back. All are acrylic enamal.  Keep it out of the sun as much as you can, keep a good coat of wax on it and it should look beautiful 30 years from now. Sun and temp extremes are the killer.