Swapped my paint gun for a brush on an old Chevelle, zero regrets

Back in 2017 I had a 1970 Chevelle in the shop in Dayton, and the owner wanted a quick single-stage job. I spent two days going back and forth between my HVLP setup and just grabbing a quality brush since the panel gaps were so rough anyway. Took the brush route, laid down three coats of black, and wet sanded it flat which hid all the factory waves better than any spray job I've done since. Sure it took me about 9 hours total versus 5 with the gun, but the finish had that deep, hand-rubbed look you just can't get now. Any of you guys ever brush-coat a classic on purpose or am I the only one who misses that old school trick?

2 comments

2 Comments

davis.dakota1d ago

You ever finish a job and wonder why you fight with modern gear when the old way just works? That wet sanded brush coat sounds like it turned out better than half the spray jobs I've seen, and honestly that hand rubbed depth is something people chase for years. I've never done a full body with a brush, but I respect anyone who goes against the grain when it makes sense. The time you lost is nothing compared to how that paint will hold up and look decades from now. Good call.

jamiew831d ago

Man, that brush coat comment hit me right in the gut. There's something SO satisfying about doing it the hard way and watching it come out better than the machine stuff. I feel you on that hand rubbed depth, it's like the paint finally has a soul.