[1project2many]

My '36 sat in a garage since '59. Other than the fenders, which were probably painted sometime in the '50s, the paint is original. It's faded in spots, gone in spots, and probably qualifies as having real patina.The back of the car has some rust and it's gotten worse since I've put it back on the road. So far all I've done is use phosphoric acid "rust converter" to slow it but it *may* get some flat clearcoat if the rust continues. I will probably have to paint the car eventually but I'm going to put it off as long as possible.

Every time you wash or wipe a lacquer finish you take some of the solids off. That's the problem with lacquer, there really isn't anything to bind the solids together like a modern finish. Wax can protect it. Some folks have used silicone sealers although I don't really like them. If you decide to use a wax, make sure it is not a "cleaner" wax and that it has no abrasives. I believe Mother's has a product for marine use with no abrasives.