[QUOTE=Gotte]1) My father said he put it down to good brushes and good paint. I've done some painting in my time, and it's like the good doctor days, get it all on in one coat, with no drips or dust, and it dan look just dandy.

2)Of course, I'm not advocating that everyone should handpaint their bikes, but I have to say, I don;t think it's a no-no. You just have to have the skill, I guess.[QUOTE]

1A) Yes, the best tools/materials can produce an excellent job! And that old lead based paint sure could make for a nice finish!

2A) The BEST tool for the job IS skill. But I think rattle can paint is esier to get a nice finish with than a brush or roller. But again, skill determines the final outcome either way.

My grandfather was a coach finisher back at the turn of the century (20th) and he would literally HAND rub the final finish. Hands must have been like leather!