Have a car that was painted in lacquer in 1982. Can it be painted over in enamel with proper preparation ?
What would that be ?
Thanks.

I would strip it all off, I wouldn't recommend putting anything over 25 year old lacquer even if it looks ok it will probably spider web or crows feet real bad(crack)
Lyle

You can put enamel over lacquer, by I would suggest sanding as much off as you can before doing so. Lacquer is quite brittle and a thinner coating will be less apt to chip.

Tom

I'am sorry,no short cuts here.........feel the pain and do it right.

www.howardsbackyardautobody.com

i agree unless going back with lac. strip it

We used to put enamel over lacquer all the time years ago. You just can't do the opposite. BUT the question is how much the lacquer will further deteriorate after enamel covers it. Maybe not much when protected from the atmosphere, UV rays, acid rain, etc. OR it might continue to shrink, crack, etc., which will telegraph through the enamel. With the price of materials nowadays it's not worth taking a chance.

You can put enamel over lacquer. There should be no issues with lifting, etc. The durability of the paint will depend on preparation and whether the car has indoor storage. I would sand a bunch of the lacquer off and then use a good sealer. Obviously stripping is best, but the choice is yours.