A little history: Ford brushed lacquer paint on the T & A Models (I couldn't say "T & A" models; cause too much excitement!)then buffed out the paint to a smooth surface. They brushed it on because spray guns hadn't been invented yet.
Now you can still do that today but the paint has to be dry (read HARD) if it's enamel; I'm not sure you can still buy lacquer nationwide due to VOC concerns but of course you would buff out the lacquer.
The problem with lacquer is you can't wipe it down with just any solvent because it will dissolve even after it's dry; enamel will too but you need some pretty hot (MEK) stuff to do that. Mineral spirits or lacquer thinner usually doesn't do that to enamel.
Brushing has always been an acceptable method to paint military vehicles when spray equipment is unavailable or other good reason.
