Paint: Schwinn Opalescent Green

Schwinn Opalescent Green was a "candy" type finish that appeared particularly in the 1950s. It is a very shiny, blue-green color that is especially attractive when it is in good condition. The color was the sort of thing one would expect to find on a 1950s American-made automobile.

 

Opalescent Green was created using primer, then a coat of aluminum paint, then a translucent layer of green paint. The shine and sparkle of the paint came from the fact that the reflective, aluminum base coat was partly visible through the green. It's a neat effect. Aluminum was one of the "wonder metals" of 1950s consumer products (along with triple-plate chrome and stainless steel), so it was used in a variety of ways, including paint.

 The closest way I have found to reproducing Opalescent Green is:

• Primer: I use red/oxide primer. I don't think it would matter particularly if your aluminum coat is thorough and smooth, but I use the red because Schwinn tended to use red.

• Base Coat: Testors Flat Aluminum or Testors Metallic Silver - your choice depending on whether you are replicating a kind of worn look, or a more sparkling/newer look. The metallic silver will shine a little more, and the aluminum being "flat" will have a more worn look.
  

• Top Coat: Testors Candy Emerald Green - this is a translucent paint that is close to the original Schwinn color. You may have to tint it a bit, depending on how your bike has aged, with just a touch of blue or green (but very little - you don't want to ruin the translucent element of the paint). 

The thickness with which you put down the green will determine how shiny and silver the paint is (less green coat) versus darker and greener (more green). 

Be sure that your aluminum base coat is dry and cured before trying to apply the green top coat.

Don't be afraid to experiment with tinting and coat thickness to match your particular bike. 

Remember that these kinds of tips only give a base recipe for getting started. Each bike is different and you will need to adjust accordingly. But it should give you a starting place for your own work.