Lacquer or Enamel?

[loggerhead]

I couldn’t find the answer performing a search so I’m posting the question. Being an old geezer, I’m pretty knowledgeable on the subject of the available automotive paints from the 50’s and those are in my subject title. Does anyone know which type of the two was primarily used by the outboard motor industry during that same time period?

[twostroke]

All the original stuff I have is enamel. 50’s OMC is old style Alkyd (synthetic) enamel.

Jim

I say "pardon me" a lot. I had a 20H, then raced open mod sleds.

[loggerhead]

Thanks for the response Jim, I think all of the old enamels were alkyd even up to the 60’s. GM was the first to use lacquer sometime in the mid 50’s and even then it was reserved for high end cars like Cadillac and big Buick’s. I can’t imagine any of the outboard manufacturers using lacquer and even more impressive is the lack of primer under the enamel and how well it has held up 60 and 70 years later. Even being directly applied over the aluminum and being exposed to water without the additional aid of a UV protective clearcoat, many of these old kickers still sport their original shine and water slide namesakes.

[Author]

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