Paint: Types of paints used in 1963.

[Waydon]

Does anyone know what types of paints were used on 1963 Larks. Specifically, Velvet Black?

[StudeRich]

The Brand name should be on your Paint Color Label under the Glove Box.
But we do know it was often Ditzler Baking Enamel or similar of 1963 Formula/Type, all Metallics except Black and White.

[studegary]

Does anyone know what types of paints were used on 1963 Larks. Specifically, Velvet Black?

The "type" of paint used on 1963 Larks was enamel (single stage). Lacquer was used on 1963 Avantis.

[bensherb]

Alkyd enamel ; acrylic enamels didn't come into use until the late 60's early 70's.

[Jeffry Cassel]

alklyd enamel. nice stuff--can't get it anymore...

[Waydon]

Thank you everyone for the information. It seems that today’s not lacquer choices are either Acrylic enamel or urethane enamel. What would be the best choice. I hear the urethane is a little glossier and maybe a little more durable.
Any suggestions about which to use for a Velvet Black Lark?

[WCP]

I belive in the '63 Hawk brochures or advertisements it was identified as melamine enamel.

[bensherb]

alklyd enamel. nice stuff--can't get it anymore...

Rustoleum. There are others too. Add some generic enamel "hardener" to it and it's great. Not sure I'd use it for a gloss top coat on an auto exterior, there are far superior products avasilable for that these days; but its great for chassis, and what not. Though if you want a matt finish, just a bit of flattening agent with the hardener and you'd have a decent inexpensive finish.

My Herbie is painted with matt Rustoleum; stripes, numbers and all.

[swvalcon]

Waydon I would use the urethane. it's a little more durable. If you want a super nice custom look you can put on a little extra thickness and once dried for a couple days wet sand like you where going to buff and clear coat with 3-4 coats of clear and then when dry wet sand and buff that and you have about the best custom black paint job you can get.

[Waydon]

Thank you Swvalcon... appreciate the advice. I think I will go the urethane route. Can I go with a single stage urethane black and then clear coat it later if I need more wow factor?

[swvalcon]

Yes but after more than about 8-12 hours it will need to be sanded or scuffed good before you do for the clear to stick which I would recommend anyway. I think single stage even if you clear coat it has a blacker black look than base clear.