Correct white for vehicle markings , 1950’s m38a1/m170

bl5211a · Post by **bl5211a** » Tue Oct 22, 2019 6:12 pm

Hello ,
Any recommendations where to find the correct white paint for 1950’s m38a1, m170 .
USA , registration , TP , etc .
Brian

Post by **wesk** » Tue Oct 22, 2019 8:37 pm

Original factory applied markings for US Army units were with 1 coat Willys Overland Spec. J-302 white lacquer. In the field the Army used Lusterless white, color chip 37875 (FS-595) for vehicles painted olive drab or any other dark color.

jnissen · Post by **jnissen** » Tue Oct 22, 2019 10:21 pm

Hope flat white from Rustolium works. Their Professional Enamel will hopefully suffice! Tested it this weekend over the Gillespie Dark OD and seems to work well. Waiting for our latest respray to cure a week before putting on the masks for the markings.

Wes how did willys get away with lacquer over an enamel base? Every time I’ve mixed paints like that bad things occur.

Post by **wesk** » Tue Oct 22, 2019 11:14 pm

From what I recall lacquer works on top of enamel but enamel will not work on top of lacquer.

bl5211a · Post by **bl5211a** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 4:48 am

Wes , are the two specs you reference more of a flat or semi flat ?

Beast · Post by **Beast** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 10:04 am

Yep, I tend to use the cheap flat or semi gloss from the hardware store. Has worked just fine on several vehicles with paint masks that I have done over the years.

Post by **wesk** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 11:15 am

are the two specs you reference more of a flat or semi flat ?

The spec for the Willys paint code I am not sure but I suspect flat. The word lusterless in the Mil Spec means flat or lack of sheen.