Jams, lacquer or enamel?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Potomac MD
Jams, lacquer or enamel?
I’m thinking about painting my door/hood jams myself and have the outside done professionally. My question is lacquer or enamel? Lacquer would be my choice but I was wondering about the shine. Most lacquer jobs I’ve seen are sanded and then buffed to a shine, which would be hard to do on the jams.
[Modified by Skyhigh, 9:45 PM 10/3/2003]
[Modified by Skyhigh, 9:45 PM 10/3/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 14
From: Lancaster PA
Re: Jams, lacquer or enamel? (Skyhigh)
You are right that the jambs would be hard to buff. Although if the lacquer is applied very smooth it can actually be hand rubbed to a decent gloss. The down side in my opinion is color match to the exterior. Unless your car is black you stand a good chance that the lacquer may not match the base/clear. If you are intent on doing the jambs yourself you may want to find out what paint the shop will be using on the exterior and use the same stuff on the jambs. Good Luck, Craig :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Jams, lacquer or enamel? (Skyhigh)
If you are looking for accuracy in restoration, then go with lacquer, with no buffing!! It is supposed to be dull. If you use enamel then add a flattening agent to the paint used to spray the jams.
If you want it to just look good and shiney like a modern vehicle then just shoot it with a single stage enamel.
If you want it to just look good and shiney like a modern vehicle then just shoot it with a single stage enamel.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: Jams, lacquer or enamel? (Smokehouse69)
You can shoot lacquer and make it supeer shinny, just like enamel....shoot it thin and wet, slow drying thinnerbut be careful, very easy to get runs this way...mist it first, let it semi dry, then apply a little thicker coat, let it dry a little, but not completely dry, shoot 5-6 coats like this, you will see with each coat, how it starts to cover, once covered, let it dry a little, then shoot two more coats. Before you shoot teh last two, add a some thinner to teh mix, not much, maybe 1/4 pint. The last coat should be wet, and when dry, will shine like nobody's biznezz
