Pros & Cons of Acrylic Lacquer

[studiog]

Since I'm thinking paint lately, any opinions on acrylic lacquer vs. color coat/clear coat. Keep in mind that I am only an occasional painter and my experience is primarily with the lacquer paints of twenty five years ago.All comments appreciated. Primer and sealer recommendations for under the lacquer also appreciated. Thanks all.

 

[Ol Blue]

studiog

I used to paint successfully with laquer, but not for several years. The last paint that I used laquer on was a black 56 Chevy that sat out in the sun. The paint seemed to crackle on the hood. I stripped it a couple of times to bare metal, and it still crackled or crazed after a couple of months. I was told that they removed lead from the laquer, and that it wasn't very good now. I'm sure that PaintDaddy can shed some light here though.
Ol Blue

 

[John Mcgraw]

I have been shooting lacquer for over 30 years, and think that the lacquer is just as good today as it ever was. It cures a little slower but still rubs out to just as good a shine, and IMHO, It is just as durable. That being said, urethane is a much more durable paint which will take more abuse. I would never paint a car that was going to be judged with anything else, but would paint a daily driven car with single stage or Basecoat/Clearcoat. The up side of lacquer, is that there is no paint material on earth which is eaiser to touch-up! I would get a chip on my 60, and would get out the spot putty and my airbrush and make the boo-boo go away in short order. If a car is going to be driven on weekends and stored under a cover inside, then lacquer paint would probably outlast you! There is no doubt that lacquer is the easiest finish for the home painter to apply and is quick and easy to sand and re-shoot if you screw up. I am painting my 59/C4 hybrid with single stage urethane since it will be driven a lot, but I am still a big fan of lacquer.
Regards, John McGraw

 

[studiog]

There is no doubt that lacquer is the easiest finish for the home painter to apply and is quick and easy to sand and re-shoot if you screw up.

This is exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks a bunch John!

Ol Blue Thanks for the warning I will proceed with caution.