How were they Painted?

Hello . Pre 1925 varnishs were brushed . With lacquer it was sprayed ,and brushed on the mouldings some of the time. Randy

For what it's worth: One method used by Ford was to pour enamel onto the bodies with what looked like a garden hose. The paint that ran off was reclaimed in a trough and reused. (Prolly not a method used by higher-end cars.)

Mark

Thanks for all replies
Great website Mike thanks.
Steve thanks for that info.
Randy - it's the application techniques I was trying to find out about, what other techniques do you know of besides spraying?

Hello. Every coach builder and mfg is uniquely different . Auburn and Duesenberg are varnish prior to 1925 and lacquer after, The big difference was how it was applied. Best Randy

Hello Paul:
Since the Duesenberg guys have not answered you, I will share what I know. We had a Graham truck plant here in Evansville, Indiana in the 1920's and I have a book on the Graham company with a photo from inside that plant showing mid-1920's vintage Graham truck bodies being spray painted by a worker using a spray gun with air hose attached. If Graham was using spray equipment at that time, I'm sure that all the major manufacturers and coach builders were also.
Kindest regards,
Steve Stevens
Evansville, Indiana

Can't speak for coachbuilders, but Auburn at least was spraying paint by the mid 20's

You might find more into here: www.coachbuilt.com

150 views and no replies. I have to assume two things, either no-one knows the answer or it is too simple an answer. Were they all spray painted? Didn't think that technique was widely available or sufficiently developed at that time.

Anyone??

Hi everyone,
I was wondering what were the tools and techniques used by the original coachbuilders to paint the bodies?
Thanks for any info,
Paul.