The first thing most people notice about automobiles are their paint jobs. When a car has a lackluster, faded finish, it will look old and dated no matter how good of shape it is otherwise in.

Cars with bright colors and high-gloss clear coats draw the eye, making the vehicles more appealing. Chrome further brightens up a vehicle, helping its bumper, rims, trim and other parts look new and giving the car a high-end look.

Automotive paint did not always offer the same beautiful look that people have come to expect today. Instead, its history provides a fascinating insight into the technology behind the development of modern automotive painting processes.

When vehicles were first invented, modern auto paints were simply not available. Instead, people handpainted their cars using brushes and paint that they could purchase at their local stores.

Because the paint faded and flaked away very quickly, many people would repaint their cars every year. Around 1900, automakers used the same varnishes that were used for carriages. Applying paint could take as long as 40 days for each vehicle, and after it dried, it had to be sanded and polished.