Painting a car with a brush ( please share)

[@unsafe_at_any_speed]

Back in the late 80s I worked with a Portuguese fellow named Tony. He was a farm hand here in Canada and I was an apprentice mechanic. Tony did a lot of painting. I was always amazed at his skill at getting everything he painted absolutely flawless. You could never see a brush stroke in the paint. So I asked him one day if he ever painted a car with a brush. He said "Ya I didda my pick emup atruck" ! I was shocked! His old 70ish Ford truck looked like a factory paint job. I never would've guessed. Apparently he did that 3 years before I asked him and it was still fantastic. He's gone now and I wished I had learned his secrets. Hopefully somebody did.

[@2194steve]

Love the old stories of craftsmanship. Thank you. Regards Steve

[@sunriseboy4837]

I lova dat story!

[@CharlesWhite-j4f]

Are you sure he wasn't Italian?😂

[@davidpalk5010]

Gotta love a practical Northerner with proper craft skills. Love it.

[@2194steve]

Thank you

[@sunriseboy4837]

Great call!

[@davidpalk5010]

@@2194steve Big up the North!!! Love you're accent. Where (exactly) does it originate from?

[@2194steve]

@ originally from Salford in Manchester, I didn’t realise I had a accent 😂😂🥴 Regards Steve

[@davidpalk5010]

@@2194steve You're right. It's me with the accent! Keep up the good work.

[@horatio8764]

Retired old school signwriter here, love watching this stuff. My boss used to make his own paint, he had it tough, and everyone wore a suit to work. Loved the video

[@2194steve]

Great to hear from you, I used to love watching sign writing being done, mesmerising. I take it was the 1950s where suits were worn. Thank you glad you liked the videos. Regards Steve

[@MillwalltheCat]

Brings back memories from the 1970's when my mate's Granddad painted their family Mk3 Cortina blue-grey by brush. His Granddad was a coach painter for a bus company, and I remember watching him loading up a lining brush with red paint and applying double coachlines along the Cortina's sides. Great skill. Good vid, cheers.

[@2194steve]

Brilliant Thank you

[@LoneStarMini]

Thanks ever so much for taking the time for all these mini paint videos. Your knowledge and help is greatly appreciated!!

[@2194steve]

Thank you and it’s a pleasure

[@MikeRyan-bo9bx]

That was really awesome seeing how it can be done, thanks for sharing. A friend of my dads handpainted all his classic Humber cars, from around the 20s and 30s, and the finish was beautiful. He mixed progressively more and more clear coat in with the paint and lightly sanded in between coats. The end result was incredible and the paint had a really deep shine, completely flat. I have bought sign writing paint from that company and it is a lovely paint to use.

[@2194steve]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences in to coach painting. Every single original coach painter from years gone by seem to have their own recipe/ mixture! Some put petrol, diesel, varnish and many more. Regards Steve

[@billwest4570]

They look so much more authentic when painted this way, my first mini was this colour as well.

[@2194steve]

@@billwest4570 I agree bill, old English white and black roof brilliant combo Regards Steve

[@bricra8992]

My dad was a painter by trade and I remember him telling stories of painting his whole car back in the late 40s early 50s with a powder puff. I don't know what kind of paint they used, probably oil based, but it had enough open time to smooth out like glass. Fascinating technique heating the paint to thin it out. Thanks for the video.

[@2194steve]

Love the story, with a powder puff 😁😁🥴 Regards Steve

[@AgedYoungster]

My father was a coachpainter/signwriter, and he hand painted both his Mk1 Cortina and my Mk2 Cortina. The former he used Valspar enamel, but for the latter just Dulux Gloss. Both highly successful jobs too. Thanks for this video, it is good to know that real skills still exist.

[@2194steve]

Yes my Dad did the same in the 70s with Dulux did a fantastic job of it, it looked sprayed. Glad you liked the videos where I show from start to finished car. Regards Steve

[@ronaldroberts9556]

The painter in our local bus garage painted all my cars, then I sold them. Roller in one hand and tipping brush in the other. Phenomenal job and lasted for years. Only thing was the colour was either green, cream or black! Just like the buses! Great info.

[@2194steve]

Great I like it Ronald .

[@stevenc5227]

Sounds like on the buses, you didn't use the seat fabric as well to trim your seats did you? " I hate you Butler "🤣🤣

[@2194steve]

@ 😂😂😂😂🤔

[@ronaldroberts9556]

Not seat fabric, no. But when the three snooker tables in the social club got recovered I got loads of the green baize cloth. Did all sorts with this including t shirts! ( They were shit!) I used to enjoy hanging around in the bus garage, Dad was a driver. Used to fill up with diesel at night then got to drive them to the parking yard round the back . In the dark! I was thirteen at the time and never clipped any of them. The drivers lived this because they could get to their beer a bit earlier!! I got several Setright ticket machines and a quarter of a bale of ticket rolls to go with them! Uniform buttons and badges galore, have got about four sweetie tins of them The best were knackered bus tyres that were no good for remoulding . Our November 5th bonfires were frikkin epic! Twenty seven tyres was the record!

[@2194steve]

@ brilliant Ronald , I bet you’ve plenty of other stories in the series 👍😁😁 I could almost picture myself there the way you tell it. Best regards Steve

[@austinswallow]

I have painted two cars fully & part-way through a third using Craftmaster, brilliant paint! The other benefit to painting it yourself (at a fraction of the cost of a respray) is that if the paint gets damaged, it is easy enough to repair and there is no need to be precious, which would be the case with an expensive re-spray. I think a better finish is achieved & is more durable, the down-side is the time it takes to properly prepare and drying time, but an enjoyable task! Thanks for sharing.

[@2194steve]

@@austinswallow exactly how I feel, you worded the comment better than I could have explained 👍 Thank you Regards Steve

[@grahamgottard]

I painted a 1965 vw beetle with a brush 40+ years ago. I was advised to buy the best brush i could, i spent 25 GB pounds on a very fine horse hair brush ( that would equate to about 100 pounds in 2025) 3 inches, and used 2 pot coach paint. The finish job astonished me! Sanding between coats, 2 coats primer, 3 top coats. Even with no clear coat the car looked fabulous. My advice? Buy the best brush you can afford. Cheap brushes produce a cheap finish.

[@2194steve]

👍

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Great video , I recall 55 years ago , handpainting a front wing on my Surf Blue Mini with a very near matching Peacock blue Woolworths McPhearsons paint , the result was so good , ended up painting the entire car , with a contracting grey ' Moonstone ' roof !.I know at the time , ' Valspar ' paints of Liverpool used to advertise their product for hand applied car painting use .In 1967 , my brother painted a 1928 Rolls Limousine with Valspar , he still owns the car and it still wears the same paint of all those years ago and is still standing up very well !.One of the essential requirements for this work is a linen ' tac-rag ' , a lot do not know about them and a brilliant way of overcoming the dreaded dust.

[@2194steve]

Thank you Roger for your story, and advice on the subject. Just shows all the people out there it can last along time if polished regularly. Regards Steve

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

@@2194steve Yes indeed Steve , the car was known in the club as ' The Valspar Car ' !

[@2194steve]

@ brilliant Roger, I don’t suppose you’ve got a photo of the car have you? Love to see it.

[@kevinparker461]

I was just going to say my Dad told me i could get good results using "Valspar". that was a good 40 years ago!!. I painted a Transit van & it turned out really good!!.

[@2194steve]

@ very good paint Valspar from what I’ve heard, I’ve never used it, wonder if it’s still manufactured? Thanks Kevin regards Steve

[@Lord-hoboco777]

I worked with a guy in a garage doing my appenticeship years ago who hand painted his 1600E we all laughed at him at the time but after he painted it he wet flatted the the paintwork in stages afterwards finished off with 3M finishing polish it was one of the best paint jobs i have ever seen it was like looking in a mirror he even won 1st prize at a Ford car show with it no one would believe he hand painted it except us who watched him paint it.👍

[@2194steve]

Love it, a mirror finish can be achieved with hard work. Regards Steve

[@davidparker9676]

Wet sanding and polishing the paint will make anything look like glass. The problem with cut and buff is that it removes the natural tough outer shell of gloss and needs to be polished routinely to maintain the gloss. Ideally you want an off-the-gun finish that doesn't need any sanding and polishing. I have cars that still look great after 30 years parked outdoors in the California sun, never been polished, only washed.

[@Lord-hoboco777]

@ most paint back then use to oxidize in the sun if you didn't wax and polish it regularly .. but i know what mean

[@2194steve]

@ Red was the worst for oxidation it’s something to do with the pigment in the paint.

[@davidparker9676]

@ I have found that most bright colors fade more than others, red, yellow, orange, etc. The oxidation has more to do with the quality of the paint. Where I live, paint typically goes dull in a short time. The heat and near constant sun take a toll on most paintjobs. Many of the new cars paint starts breaking down and the clear is burned off the top surfaces within 5 years if the car is not garaged. Premium materials do make a huge difference in longevity here.

[@trinitytoo]

I'm so glad the algorithm thought I'd be interested - this is a wonderfully useful video and applicable to painting anything. I do most painting with acrylics since that's the way things are going but your tips look like they could apply with modifications. I want to try your methods since it looks like you don't have a problem with paint going over edges - my bugbear. And I've never heard of nor seen a tipping brush - best tip!

[@2194steve]

Thank you Regards Steve

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

My Grandfather painted our 1948 Citroen with a camel hair brush. A dust colour replaced the OEM black... since we lived on a gravel road that was the best colour in the circumstances since after a wet day the dust dried and couldn't be seen on the car....unlike black!. When my father took the car in for a service at the main dealer garage the workshop manager noticed the change and asked my father which firm had done such a great spray paint job..... He was amazed that a 70 year old amateur had done that job in a shed....

[@2194steve]

Brilliant story John love it Thank you

[@zenzen9131]

You can see the mirror finish coming as it settles before your very eyes ! Incredible !

[@2194steve]

Yes it’s mesmerising to watch it appear Thanks

[@bamboobat3304]

Amazing finish, I new a guy that hand painted cars back in the 1970s, but only painted Black. I saw a VW he did , I could hardly believe how good it was. Love the video. Thank you.

[@2194steve]

Thank you, the fella you knew must have been good, because black is the most difficult to do and get right. 👍regards Steve

[@troytempest290]

Fabulous work. 👏

[@2194steve]

Thank you Regards Steve

[@stephensomersify]

You've finally shown me what my professional decorator neighbour accomplished - hand painting his van - wow, what a result!! He told me similar trechniques for window ledges - like glass THANK YOU

[@2194steve]

Thank you Stephen Regards Steve

[@MrNoclutch]

Painted a Ford F150 farm truck this way except we used the roller then followed with a brush. Black was the color and the paint leveled out nicely. Single stage wet sand and buffed out with a coat of wax it was brilliant. Clear coats were starting to come from the factories back then and were failing. Brings back memories of painting the John Deere and the truck. Thanks.

[@2194steve]

Like it 👍

[@allsearpw3829]

Hi , great work and back in the 1960's hand painted a motor cycle with Valspar paint , from Woolworths . Years later I watched a guy hand paint a 43 FEET Sunseeker hull , you could not tell it was not sprayed , even though in was out side in the weather , but he picked his days . Thanks for your video .😉❤👍

[@2194steve]

There are some fantastic painters out there, and they are not professional ones at that. Glad you liked the videos. Regards Steve

[@anthonyhunt5307]

Coach ( hand painting ) finishing was used widely for commercial vehicles of all types, I served an apprenticeship with London Transport back in the day. ‘Finishing brushes’ take years of use to turn them into a worn painting brush/edge that is used only for the gloss coat. Paint needs to be heavily loaded onto the panel or even poured from the middle outwards, then messily spread out as quickly as possible in all directions to cover the panel. You then ‘lay off’ the finish with unbroken strokes from one edge to another, the skill is in the speed, the faster you apply and lay off the better the finish.

[@2194steve]

Thank you for your explanation and expertise Regards Steve

[@speciallion1135]

This explanation is correct. The problem with painting a flat panel horizontally, is that dust can settle onto it, as opposed to a panel or surface that is vertical. Applying more paint, will achieve the best finish, because it has the ability to flow out & reduce brush marks as it does. As long as the coating is even, it will not run, it takes methodical practice, to do this & to do it quickly. Large panels need to be done with speed, to avoid ‘flashing’ or a ‘fatty edge’ when laying off into a previously applied section. Using a foam roller, can help with even application when doing large panels & then laying off with a brush,. Great all round video.

[@2194steve]

@ very well explained speciallion1135 I have trouble explaining what I want to explain,if that makes any sense? But thank you once again sir, and thank you for watching Regards Steve

[@metrovic]

You can still walk into many bus garages today and see the pots of paint standing with brushes permanently in the paint ready to go for those urgently needed quick repairs to get the damaged bus back out again.

[@sunriseboy4837]

@@speciallion1135 Bud, that was excellent advice. Thank you. I'm going to do my 1990 Mitsub. TP Magna wagon. I remember meeting a chap many years ago in Bendigo, Vic. And I commented on the quality of the paint job on his car - it looked great. I asked who did it. He said he did...with a brush. I was gob smacked. It was a five star job!

[@ukvinersmart7571]

Brilliant. Thanks for showing us

[@2194steve]

My pleasure, I’m glad you enjoyed the videos. Regards Steve

[@colinblick8946]

Great job……. I remember the old rollers were hand painted. Thanks for the heads up 😎👌🏽

[@2194steve]

Thank you Yes they were Colin, among other fine cars those were the days my friend ( as Mary Hopkin used to sing) 😂😂🥴

[@doriandari]

Hello.. your car looks fantastic.. i wanna paint mine.. thanks for your explanation

[@2194steve]

Thank you, and you’re very welcome. Regards Steve

[@thefreedomguyuk]

I want to try this too

[@2194steve]

@ 👍

[@mastercylinder1939]

I am amazed. Never considered hand painting a car, but I have a car that needs painting.

[@2194steve]

I have never coach painted before, but got good results 👍

[@Andytreblezero]

Make a video mate, I'd love to see your attempt👍

[@2194steve]

@ sorry?

[@derekstocker6661]

My first car, a 1956 Ford Consul was originally a two colour beige over maroon. When I first saw it it was overall mid green and I fell in love with it and bought it. Only later did I find out that a previous owner had hand painted it, but you really could not tell! When we see the prices asked for resprays now, it does make people tempted to look at doing what you have achieved so very well here! Thanks for this.

[@2194steve]

Thank you Derek

[@yardfowl3149]

I didn't even know this was an option? Awesome job friend, thanks for sharing!

[@2194steve]

Thank you it’s my pleasure, this method is very easy as long as you don’t rush, and take to get one panel right before moving to the next one. Regards Steve

[@bs7157]

that looks beautiful. what a result. well done. we have a morris minor and the last owner hand painted it. but what a mess. it was thicker in some places than others and you could see the brush strokes in the paint. we'd like a go at this to get the paint back to a decent shine and smoothness. very helpful this is. thank you. 🙂👍

[@2194steve]

Thank you glad you liked it, it’s quite simple really preparing the surface is one key things, warming the paint is another and decent brush’s Any help advice please ask. Regards Steve

[@bs7157]

@@2194steve thanks steve. the only problem we have is a place to do this without dust getting on it all. it's a car port and very dusty in the summer as the cars fly past up the alleyway. very annoying. and the garage is too small to get around the car.

[@2194steve]

@ I did mine under a carport, I sheeted it up with white tarps from eBay , cuts it down by at least 90% and you can paint if it suddenly starts raining. Regards Steve

[@bs7157]

@@2194steve yes. i think we will do that as well. thanks steve.

[@2194steve]

@ it’s a pleasure, and hopefully keep this craft going. Regards Steve

[@ElThomsono]

Very nice work and an interesting little video to boot, top marks.

[@2194steve]

Thank so much Regards Steve

[@c4r5on88]

I used coach paint and mixed it with acatone then sprayed on with a cheap hvlp gun. It came out fantastic. But still decided to wet sand it but it really didn't need it. It looked like glass it was beautiful. It was cream and it was on my 1979 Dodge sportsman Rv. No im not American im in uk. Sadly now sold but i love enamel coach paint. Brilliant stuff.

[@2194steve]

👍

[@lionelsquires7662]

Another superb trade slowly being lost to technology. Thank you for sharing!!

[@2194steve]

It’s a pleasure to do so Lionel Regards Steve

[@MarkBrierley-dn9wc]

Top notch work Steve,. I hope you inspire the next generation to have a go.

[@2194steve]

Thank you Mark Yeah I’m trying in my own way trying to keep an traditional skill going👍

[@RRED2]

Very very nice great video

[@2194steve]

Thank you so much 👍 Regards Steve

[@stephenhoggarth3012]

Thanks for sharing this. I thought that it wouldn’t be possible to achieve a flawless high gloss finish with a brush!

[@2194steve]

It’s all down to preparation and patience to be honest Stephen Take your time,don’t cut corners and anyone can achieve fantastic results. Regards Steve

[@daviddrew7624]

My father many years ago was a coach painter and he used squirrel hair brushes 👌 personally I prefer spay guns, ive been a painter for 42 years, until I had a nasty accident, I can honestly say falling from height doesn't hurt, it's the abrupt stop that's painful and does a lot of damage, interesting video 👍

[@2194steve]

Thank you David, sorry to hear of your accident. Regards Steve

[@alisterwest6987]

Just subscribed excellent work, thanks for your efforts in putting this video on. 👍

[@2194steve]

Thank you 👍

[@irishterminator.]

Hey Steve my first car was a Mini and it had a few bits of rust and when I priced having it resprayed, I found a tin of gloss paint (brown) and hand painted the car myself. The shine off the car was amazing, and it was a head turner and earned the name. The chocolate drop 😂 I was 17 at the time. Great job with your Mini I wish we had U tube then but I don't have a time machine 😂😅

[@2194steve]

Thank you, The reason I did my car with this method of painting was very simply the cost. I had a quote for a re spray £4000, - £8000 this paint job cost me £350 all in so it was a no brainier to be honest, and the best bit is if you damage the wing say! It’ll only cost the cost of a couple of pints 🍺 Cheers regards Steve

[@motomic84]

Wish I had seen this 52 yrs ago when I brushed my girlfriends(later wife,sadly no longer) original incl paint 55 Ford Customline in a garage at night with clearance around what is a very big car of maybe 2ft. Took a while and used Dulux enamel house paint tinted to my requested colour of Black Cheery as my Dad had a new 67 Falcon that colour. Apart from the colour ending up more a wine colour it was still well acceptable and not knowing about the laying off brush I did it all with one brush so you can imagine how long it took at a panel per night in her Dads wee garage. I had to hand cut whole car later to remove brush strokes but eventually an acceptable result until you got close it looked sprayed. Things you do to impress the girl you love aged 20yrs. Looking outside to my 05 Corrola with terrible clear coat failure thinking should I or shouldn;t I try to re clear coat it now aged 72. Probably not. Thanks for the video Steve and now new subscriber so looking fwd to viewing more. Cheers from NZ.

[@2194steve]

My late father did 2 of our cars in the 1970s a Triumph 1300, and a Vauxhall viva, at the time he started I thought 🥴 but boy when he finished it looked better than sprayed! Good old Dulux paint where would we without it 🥴🥴🤔😂

[@colinstickland3130]

@@motomic84 73 this end. Yes I would have a go . Problem is the back. Alright standing up .but bend over. ?? Old clapped out grease monkey . Cannot expect a lot else I suppose

[@DivvaXJ900S]

Just a small observation to add to your great how-to. If you do the "tipping" brush strokes so they are always tipping out over your previous ones, you eliminate the marks left where the brush initially lands and the paint settles even flatter. Just a little technique I picked up doing brush paint and varnish on Super Yachts for about 20 years. Essentially you brush away from yourself while progressing the painted surface towards yourself. How much you can play with it will depend on the product used and environmental conditions. I have done varnished wooden rails in the Mediterranean summer sun where the product would go sticky within 15-20 seconds so being quick and efficient with the brush strokes was a must. Great authentic work though keep the skill alive.

[@2194steve]

Thank you for your advice and comments, it’s much appreciated I’m always eager to learn, and it will be helpful to my viewers. Regards Steve

[@pimkuijper1577]

My grandfather was a coach painter (chief of the paint workshop of a bus company) I watched him painting my fathers (second hand) car 2-tone by hand..... Quite different from your method, but the result was better than spray paint. Flawless. In these days there were no paint guns yet.....

[@2194steve]

Can you remember the method of your grandfather’s? I’m always looking for a new approach to crafts that have long gone! I’ve always said done by a professional coach painter the results are a 100% better than spraying. Thank you Regards Steve

[@davidparker9676]

@@2194steve I'd like to see the final result when it is fully dried. It is hard to believe it is better than spraying, you can get incredible finishes with good materials and a quality gun. I usually never need to cut and buff my paintwork.

[@2194steve]

@ This hasn’t been cut and polished, because you can’t with this particular paint it will burn, I sold the car a while back! But if you take a look at my members pieces of work you will be amazed Facebook Coach painting old cars. Thank you for your comment regards Steve

[@howardparkin7382]

I am a commercial painter, both indoors and out and our industry is more and more turning to spraying for the speed. I personally think that the old ways or older ways are better, nothing we do lasts the stage of time any longer.

[@2194steve]

Yes I agree Howard

[@tstuart7333]

Thank you so much. I had a little dilemma, being that mu motorhome is in need of a new coat. I was unsure as to weather spray paint or brush. Spray I can do and do well. Coat paint I have never done before however always willing to learn new things. My issue is! I have now place big enough for to spray paint. What paint or brand should be used to coach paint? My late step father had a car hand coach painted many years ago and it was unreal. such a beautiful finish. This memory has lasted and your video has give encouragement to have a go as they say. Better weather of course. Thank you for all your efforts, and sharing.

[@2194steve]

The brand I used was called craftmaster, but it depends where you are in the world, as to what brand you can get hold of!

[@502days]

Will be painting my hunter with a brush an wo be tide if mate pip touches it to see if it's dried , if he does I will paint him down too yellow with pink spots like blobby.. also buying purdy brush to make pacaso happy.. your painting is awesome pal thanks for sharing 👍

[@2194steve]

Thank you, let’s hope pip doesn’t touch it, 🤷‍♂️

[@ronvanstaden8784]

Lovely work

[@2194steve]

Thank you 👍

[@simonhodgetts6530]

My granddad brush painted his Anglia 105e in his garage - changed the colour from grey to pale blue. Looked great. I think he even repainted the exposed painted metal inside the cabin too! I think you could buy paint to do this from the motor factors…….would have been late 60s.

[@2194steve]

That’s the thing Simon , the old boys used to make do with what they had and achieve some fantastic results. My dad was the same. Regards Steve

[@hydorah]

Great results! There is a tiny improvement you could imcorporate into your technique. Ideally, never start a stroke with the tipping brush in the wet paint, always keep a wet edge as you have done, but always work back into what you've done don't work out from what you've done. The risk is you might get little "dabs" where the tipping brush as landed in the middle of what you've painted that can possibly be seen from certain angles as thinner / lower spots. I was trained as a decorator many many years ago on high end home restoration. Keep a wet edge and work back into what you've done is pretty much the whole of it!

[@2194steve]

👍

[@grahamhawes2873]

I’m an ex painter decorator,once I painted two escort vans blowing my own trumpet,must say they came out fantastic all in the prep and your brush,I would recommend natural hair 😉

[@2194steve]

Yes Graham it’s all in the preparation and brushes, use decent brushes and you’ve more chance of getting a good finish.🤔 Regards Steve

[@cps67]

Hi there Steve, only just found your channel so thought I'd say hello. I apprenticed as a signwriter in the 1980's under a chap called Reg Brown in Wolverhampton, part of his training involved coach painting. I've kept up the sign writing (somewhat) but watching you makes me want to try coachpainting again. It will be interesting to see how modern paints hold up, the old paints were extremely unforgiving, even more reason to praise the old masters eh? (Reg's finish would always be like glass). Thanks for keeping the old skills alive, I'll leave you with a quote from Reg that I heard often: "Nevermind . . . the next one will be better" :)

[@2194steve]

I like Regs quote, that probably sums it up in a nutshell. The modern paints are good, as far as solvent, but I don’t think the finish is as good as the original paint in say 1950-1980 it’s a bit like cellulose in the old days you could polish that like a mirror, new cars painted today seem to be orange peel then clear coated on top! Ridiculous. Regards Steve

[@derekgb3780]

Looks good. I've seen it done on old Land Rover Defenders which have been renovated. This technique perhaps suits renovations of older cars being "fixed-up" with panels from breakers etc.

[@2194steve]

Thank you

[@carlarthur4442]

Should imagine when its dried and you flat polish it 🤔 it'll be brilliant. Great job .

[@2194steve]

Thank y, but unfortunately this paint can’t be machined polished it will burn, but there are many other paints similar that can be polished. This finish Is straight from the tin, then clear coated with a brush on top coat. Regards Steve

[@Therapistinthewhitehouse]

My friend's first job, back in the 60s was hand-painting removal vans. I'm guessing it's much harder to get a perfect finish on vertical panels.

[@2194steve]

Roofs are harder in my opinion, well it was for me! Regards Steve

[@sicks6six]

I used a paint called Techaloid years ago and warming the paint in a sink of hot water made it much easier to use, pretty good results with that paint,

[@2194steve]

Exactly how I prepared my paint, works really well. Thank you for your comment Regards Steve

[@flybobbie1449]

I hand painted old Chevette, it was gold brown. One of those beautiful warm calm days i painted it red. Came out great. Reason i hand painted it, i read train coaches were had painted.

[@2194steve]

Yes they were, well here in the UK they were actually someone on my Facebook group still does hand painting on trains.

[@catweasle5737]

Nice job. I could be wrong, but that looks like a door from a mini? I have a '69. Keep up the good work. From Australia.

[@2194steve]

Yes it is, in my other videos I show how to paint the whole car mine was 1967 cooper look alike in Old English white, black roof. Regards Steve

[@malcolmcurtis9786]

A credit to you sir.👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@ianallen2]

I was 14 when a neighbour asked my mate and me to help him paint his Oxford Cambridge on the grass verge. We painted it blue. The car owner had an idea to paing the inside of the chassis so it didnt rot, he poured paint in the chassis through factory made holes and thought driving about would coat all of the chassis internal sides. He got a bill from the council for cleaning up the pain off hgte roads as it made a trail from and to his house. Cost him a bit back in the 1970's.

[@2194steve]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@colinstickland3130]

@@ianallen2 haha seen it done

[@CharlesWhite-j4f]

Haha, nice story

[@colinwest3773]

Back in the sixties I worked for a company that sprayed trucks for everyone, but for the commercial truck show they were always brush painted !

[@2194steve]

Just shows how good coach painting can be! It depends who’s holding the brush I suppose to be honest.

[@chrislye8912]

Very impressive mate!

[@2194steve]

Thank you 👍

[@aussie8114]

Back in the 70s my uncle brush painted his Holden Monaro car using green house paint and a black stripe on the front bonnet. He called it the green lizard 😂 It was a very rough car he used as a tradesman. Funny thing is that crappy old car would be worth about quarter of a million dollars now in restored condition. Even in the horrible condition it was in it would still be about $50,000 now.

[@2194steve]

Crazy world 🤷‍♂️

[@thefreedomguyuk]

Calling a Monaro crappy 😮❤❤

[@aussie8114]

@@thefreedomguyuk If you had seen it you would also call it crappy. He had even pulled out the back seat so he could throw his tools in it.

[@metrovic]

Nice video of a not so well known trade these days. I have painted many buses over the years this way, both double and single deck. If it was a normal service bus or transit bus as many would call it I never went finer than 180 grit as the synthetic enamel paint used would cover that without being able to see the sanding marks. This was more than adequate as they were working vehicles and looked excellent until the first driver the following day scraped the freshly replaced skirt panels or corners as often happened. Still, it kept me in a job!!

[@2194steve]

Thank you, I can imagine the driver saying oops I’ve done it again! 😂 Regards Steve

[@metrovic]

@@2194steve It was always Mr Nobody that did it of course !!

[@johnhewett2525]

Back in the 60s I hand painted the front guard on my 1956 Morris Minor, I bought the paint from my local Morris dealers spare parts department. They supplied me with a small tin of paint that was from batch# whatever, saying that that would be enough for the front guard. The colour was spot on as was the quantity, as an added bonus the paint seemed to self-level. At 18yrs old I was now an xspurt car painter (x being the unknown quantity and spurt being a drip under pressure).

[@2194steve]

Like your sense of humour John, very similar to mine 😂😂

[@ivorj4715]

Amazing ! Tack cloth first, to remove any bits, then clean the brush and wave a piece of old shirt about to put it all back 🙂

[@2194steve]

Yes classic mistake, we all make them! I was so nervous about getting the right information out to you guys, I wasn’t thinking, but hey most people know that stage anyway! It’s not rocket science is it . Thank you

[@cpzmelbs]

That paint flattened out very well. Not familiar with the brand. Hopefully I can find recommendations for something here in Australia Cheers mate

[@2194steve]

👍

[@alunjones2185]

Wow! 😊

[@2194steve]

Thank you Regards Steve

[@gavinthomas4376]

You asked for opinions. I think this looks great! I've seen people setting up temporary spray rooms, and getting really good results, but this method has a lot less outlay, and you'll know very soon whether you're up to the job!

[@2194steve]

Exactly right Gavin, to re spray my mini, they wanted believe it or not £4000-£8000 it cost me to coach paint it £350 no brainier. It’s preparation that’s a big factor in the process, if you cut corners it won’t be a good job! Regards Steve

[@keithashworth3306]

Thanks that was very helpful. I’m planning to hand paint a pre war car with aluminium body. Do you have a video about applying the base coat please. 😊

[@2194steve]

I don’t unfortunately Keith, but it’s the same process as the other coats to be honest. Regards Steve

[@TessTickles00]

You mate, are a craftsman from the old school of painting a car. I would much rather have an artisan like you painting a classic car than a spray booth. My old man was a coach painter and he actually painted cars, truck and coaches with a brush. The finish was flawless, the thickness of the paint was denser, and it stood the test of time. New techniques are just newer, that doesn't mean better. Keep the faith, and please teach someone else to do it like you do, it's not a dying art, it's almost a dead art.

[@2194steve]

This was the very first time I had done coach painting, I’m self taught, no instruction I just read up on the art and thought that’s cool ! It’s not as good as a professional coach painter would achieve, buts very near. Anyone can achieve brilliant results as long as you don’t cut corners and take your time. Regards Steve

[@GOINGNOMAD]

Good work old bean. Proper job.

[@2194steve]

Thank you

[@mickbucknell6290]

When i was 16 my dad and i painted a capri pale blue. The preperation took about 2 weekends but it was worth it. We painted it outside in the summer of 76 and despite no previous experience it was a mirror finish with only 1 tiny run on the whole car .

[@2194steve]

Bloody Hell Mick, it’s a wonder it didn’t dry as soon as the brush touched the car😂😂🥵 I remember that year very well, boiling hot 🥵 Ho Ford Capri I’ve had a few of them, wish I still had em worth a fortune now. Regards Steve

[@mickbucknell6290]

@2194steve I think we used loads of thinner in the paint, the only problem was the odd lady bird landing on the roof !

[@2194steve]

@ 🥴🥴

[@bigoldgrizzly]

I did a Triumph Vitesse that year using Tekaloid. Just threw it on to make it all look the same colour and it turned out amazing. Paid 70 quid for it and, 40,000 miles later, sold it for 80 - good value ! I was one of the few not bothered by the heat - I worked down the pit in temperatures well over 100 deg F

[@2194steve]

@ Great stuff, Triumph Vitesse wow I got a 2 litre one In the early 80s for £50 wish I still had it. LOL

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

Homemade I've been enjoying the videos do you have like a good close-up video outside of the finished job, cheers Graham

[@2194steve]

I don’t Graham unfortunately,the car is now sold!

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

@2194steve ashame, mayb time to do another car, bike or small bus. cheers Graham

[@2194steve]

@@theaussienurseflipper.8113 exactly my thoughts 🤔🤔🤔

[@richardhill2538]

A video on how you clean your brushes would be a great help. I can never clean them thoroughly enough, they always go stiff when they dry. Great video by the way.

[@2194steve]

Thank you Richard for your kind comment, as for cleaning brushes All I do is clean out in white spirit,dry on a cloth to remove excess then In detergent with warm water, leave to dry. I’ve never had a problem in over 40 years. Hope this helps regards Steve

[@RichPober]

Clean brushes by using multiple small lots of white spirit or brush cleaner, rather than one big lot once. This method of cleaning uses the 'dilution effect' to extract the paint from the brush, using multiple clean lots of cleaner. If any residual paint remains at the base of the bristles, then use water-based paint stripper to break down the last remnants of hard-to-remove paint. If you use solvent-based paint stripper on synthetic bristles, then it may ruin them by causing them to split and fray.

[@davelowe1977]

I leave mine in a sealed jar with a 1/4" of white spirit in the bottom.

[@2194steve]

@ great tip Dave thank you

[@Paul-kp1tu]

clever, ill try it

[@2194steve]

Thank you Regards Steve

[@allan1951]

I have painted a few cars in the past with brush paint, with a little practise you can get really good results. I used to use oil based Valspar household gloss paint.

[@2194steve]

Yeah my late dad did the same thing in the 1970s with Dulux paint it looked fantastic neighbour’s thought it had a re spray it was that good.

[@Calligraphybooster]

Very lovely results! To share my own experiences: There are oils that are used as anti rust primers that can also be added to paint (not to modern water soluble paints of course). They work really well to improve working time, adhesion and gloss, without the disadvantages of solvents. I never tried heating paint ‘au bain Marie’, but will keep it in mind. Brand names of these oils I mentioned are ‘Owatrol’ and ‘Le Tonkinois’.

[@2194steve]

Thank you for your kind comment, as regards the oil adds I’ve heard of Owatrol but haven’t used it! Sounds a great idea, thank you Regards Steve

[@madddogg6904]

Back in the Nineties when the family business collapsed and I was more or less flat broke, the 1959 Ambassador car needed a paint job. Didn't want to advertise that we're broke by driving around in a shabby beat up 35 year old jalopy. So I did the dent beating and filling. Then sanding smooth, finishing with fine wet-and-dry emery paper. Then came the painting part and funds had run low. Fortunately I came across an old book published in England where there were helpful tips on painting a car with a brush. Two main points: make the paint slow drying. Brush first in one direction and then at right angles. The surface tension of the paint makes the surface smooth. When dry nobody can guess it was brushed on.

[@2194steve]

Brilliant

[@madddogg6904]

@@2194steve Thanks! I'm sharing this post with my brother who was the only one who had faith this could be done. (I'm from India, if you haven't already guessed, from the Ambassador)

[@2194steve]

@ Thank you

[@garymoss5475]

My dad enamelled his 52 VANGUARD Classic Cream with an high grade metal lacquer. He was a professional decorator and used high quality brushes. As with all things, preparation is critical. That finish lasted 8 years with an occasional wax before trading in.

[@2194steve]

Brilliant Gary, thank you for sharing your dad’s experience in car painting it’s much appreciated, can you remember the name of the paint? I wonder if it’s still available. Thanks again regards Steve

[@garymoss5475]

Brand was Edinborough which was a factory in Balaclava, Melbourne, Victoria. The factory was destroyed by fire in 1952.

[@2194steve]

@@garymoss5475 Ho Thats a shame 😔

[@austendallaston3537]

I once painted my 109inch Landy with a one inch brush lol, and to be honest the results were really good even if I do say so myself

[@2194steve]

A one inch brush must have took months, but that’s dedication for you!

[@davidbryce6970]

My father painted our 1952 Ford Prefect in our garage with a brush. He said that the excellent result wasn't his skill by the exception quality of the paint, that was the same colour as that used to renovate the electrical switchboards where he worked. The good-old-days.

[@2194steve]

Brilliant love it! Regards Steve

[@letrainavapeur]

I've seen a few old cars painted 18E51, Turbine blue in the area around the power station.

What about painting a vertical surface where gravity plays its part? And how many coats do you recommend?

[@2194steve]

You just spread the paint out so no runs, 2 primer, 2 undercoat, 3 topcoat It’s entirely up to the individual person put Les put more, you’ll know as your putting it on yourself. Regards Steve

[@hughtempleton8640]

Omg that is brilliant 👏 ❤

[@2194steve]

Thank you so much.

[@campbellmorrison8540]

That's very impressive. Do you think it would work on vertical panels, it looks very runny and I assume that's how it becomes so smooth but would it cause runs on a vertical surface or is there a trick to it?

[@2194steve]

Thank you, it is very runny but you spread it out in all directions then up and down,at the end tip it. And once you warm the paint it goes even thinner, it’s just practice do one panel at a time! Don’t rush the process. Get one panel right then move to the next, DONT try to paint the whole car in one go! It won’t work. Hope this explains things a little clearer. Regards Steve

[@rickgarness1549]

Add a little linseed oil, improves workability, lay off vertical,and lay the whole door in one,

[@2194steve]

Adding linseed oil will slow the drying process down even more I’m afraid Rick, it would take months to dry!

[@2194steve]

Adding varnish will work a lot better and help with the drying process, and give a brilliant finish shine, another tip is to warm your paint in a slow cooker or saucepan ( NOT BOILING) this helps with paint flow. Regards Steve

[@mervjames6183]

@@rickgarness1549 yes exactly lay the whole door in one and lay off

[@PaulG.x]

That additive is probably similar to Penetrol , which is a mineral oil that polymerises due to oxidation in the way linseed oil and other vegetable oils cure. These oils are the base that oil paints are manufactured from and are compatible with the paint and more stable over time than the vegetable equivalents.

[@2194steve]

👍

[@2194steve]

👍

[@joeambaye8681]

Very helpful information🇬🇧 How would paint door shuts and window frames?

[@2194steve]

Just the same as if the car were sprayed.

[@paulwilson7839]

Looks a great job i spray cars but had a pal worked for coach painter he said the painters could get a better finish using a brush than spraying

[@2194steve]

Yes he’s right, no offence to you but I’ve seen some fantastic paint jobs done by hand, and you can see your face in it to have a shave from 10 feet away! Take a look at my Facebook group Coach painting old cars You will see what I mean. Regards Steve

[@colinedward3147]

Hello matey this video popped up, I’m new to this so sorry if you’ve answered this question before. Why go to all that effort with a brush when you could spray it? Is it due to needing extra tools like compressor, spray booth etc or because you want coach paint? It’s a great skill you have and no doubt you get a great finish, just wondered why. Thanks Colin.

[@2194steve]

Well Colin it all started from getting a quote for the car to be sprayed! They wanted £4000-£8000 which obviously I couldn’t afford, so I looked into Alternatives and came across this method which the likes of RR, Bentley, Bugatti used and thought that’s brilliant. So after much research I tried it and that’s the result. Also if I did spray it myself, I would need a compressor, premises not mention the fumes noise and upsetting the neighbours if I did it from home. To me it’s a no brainier. This was my very first time doing this technique and nobody to show me how it is done, just common sense really, anyone can do this honestly. Regards Steve

[@colinedward3147]

Thanks for replying. 👍

[@jbshascommon4687]

When using the finnish brush would it leave less "start" marks if you stroked into the wet paint?? Thanks for the vid!!

[@2194steve]

Thank you Yes it would and I did stroke into the wet edge, although it’s quite difficult to see to be honest . Regards Steve

[@bradcogan8588]

Very nice. What kind of paint do you use? Is it a cellulose based finish or a modern two part paint or something else? Thanks! Edit: I realised it's enamel paint. Do you think this method would work with other paint types?

[@2194steve]

Yes it would work with other paint, as long as it slow drying Regards Steve

[@2194steve]

The one I used is called craftmaster

[@mickcresswell1031]

Just came across this video - really interesting! I have no clue or experience about brush painting a car, so forgive my ignorance. Do you have to sand back / polish once dry? Also, do you need lacquer on top afterwards? Great video btw!

[@2194steve]

Glad you found me Mick, This paint cannot be cut and buffed it will burn and go dull, some other makes can be cut and buffed once fully cured. I put some brush on lacquer on the mini you see in the videos. It’s all shown and explained in the other videos in the series I made Thank you once a gain. Regards Steve

[@PeterStuyvesant20s]

Great video. Very easy to over capitalise on a resto with paint work so looks like this is a great way to neaten the external appearance without over restoring a budget classic. Have you tried to wet sand then polish afterwards?

[@2194steve]

Thank you Peter, this particular paint won’t cut and buff, it will burn the paint But other makes of paint will, the finish you see is straight out of the tin! If the car would have been a top of the range car, then maybe I might have gone down the road of a proper cellulose spray job, NOT 2 pack they look very false to me. Thanks for watching regards Steve

[@GoneKayaking]

Nice job. What about panels still on the vehicle so vertical and outside? Does the paint settle as well vertically?

[@2194steve]

Thank you, yes the panels will be the same.

[@Ivc406]

Hi many years ago as previously stated the painter in our local bus depot painted my friends dad's standard vanguard cream and burgundy it was flawless these bus painters were something else, he had tin of paint on a gas ring down at a wee Peep no health and safety back then regards from Greenock Scotland 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@2194steve]

True craftsmanship in those days , and tricks of the trade took years to learn. Regards Steve

[@TonyJames-t6i]

I painted my old Renault 18 years ago with a roller and it was great i did it then a week later took it up to my parents they thought id got a new car 😂 i told them and my dad just couldn't get over it 😂😂

[@2194steve]

Like it Tony, well done my friend Regards Steve

[@tonyandjackieholmes9546]

That finish is unbelievable - Unfortunately in my nick of the woods I'd have 20 mozzies and half a dozen moths in the paint overnight

[@2194steve]

👍😂😂😂🥴

[@JacquesE-b6c]

Hello Steve, I have seen your video's about painting cars in the old way. I painted a car once, a van Renault Estafette, but i couldn't get the stripe out of the paint. So this is the way to do it. I have a question? You warm the paint with a slow cooker on what temperature? Thanks for the video's. Jacques

[@2194steve]

Thank you for watching Jacques , warm only not hot , try to paint in a dust free environment and preferably a warm day! Not hot or cold and damp. Hope this helps if you need any advice please feel free to contact me. Regards Steve

[@JacquesE-b6c]

@@2194steve Thanks for your reaction.

[@masturavince]

Great work

[@2194steve]

Thank you 👍

[@johnsmithmaps]

Watched the coach painting at Vanden Plas on Austin and Daimlers. Hand brush painted, then lots of wet and dry flatting off until passed ready for polish ...

[@2194steve]

Beautiful cars

[@readrepairs]

Cool!

[@2194steve]

Thank you Regards Steve