Expert: Kim Smith - 5/15/2009

Question
I have a 1972 Ford F250 that I will be painting myself this summer.  I have been reading over some books to familiarize myself with the process.  My question is how do I know if my truck has enamel or lacquer paint.  The paint that is on there is the original.  My understanding is that if it is lacquer then I will need to strip the truck to bare metal and apply primer and then the paint, but if it is enamel then I can just scuff up the original paint and then paint over it... is this accurate?

Answer
Its a good chance that your truck has enamel- Check to see if it is original paint . Lacquer should be taken off and you can paint over the enamel...If it is not the factory paint you may have problems with solvents from your paint attacking the re spray....Hope this helps a little and all the best to you......Kim