It has been discussed here that cars were painted with brushes in the old days (Model T's and Rolls Royces -- supposedly as late as the 1970's). I've looked for information all over the web on these processes, but didn't find any information. Then it occurred to me to try to find some old books on the subject.

I searched with sellers of antique books. Today I received a copy of Automobile Painting by F.N. Vanderwalker, published in 1919. It looks like an interesting read. It's all about brush painting automobile finishes. So far, no big surprises. Looks like everyone here has successfully re-invented the wheel. Doesn't look like they had rollers in 1919 -- but everything else applies. I'll be reading with interest and posting a summary of any interesting findings here.

Until then -- a couple pages to whet your appetites: