1980's flip Pearl white - polishing out a scratch

[blueg33]

Hi.

I am looking to acquire a project car that needs some TLC. The car in question has a 1980's pearl white paint that really has a proper pearl effect. The paint has a clear lacquer.

The paint is generally very good, but there is a small area on one door that looks like its been rubbed with a scotchbrite pad.

Do the experts on here think that a professional detailer will be able to sort this out? I don't have a pic at present, but it doesnt look as if the scuffing goes through the lacquer. I am told that this particular paint is very difficult to match.

[iwanna]

As long as its not gone thru the clear coat, and its not been polished before, all should be good.

If any concerns, use a light polish to reduce the scratches and lessen the look of them.

Better to have a few small scratches and lots of clear coat, than no scratches and no (or little) clear coat.

[g7jtk]

Could you just apply more clear coat?

[JulesB]

Dont apply more lacquer.. (clear coat) Your best bet is to go to your local bodyshop/smart repairer and ask them to polish the scratch out. If it cant be done they can improve it and provide a quote to repair it

[TallPaul]

Bare in mind that back in the '80's a lot of special effect finishes had the pearl additive in the lacquer, not the basecoat...

[blueg33]

That's interesting. The car in question is a Renault GTA like this. Its hard to tell on the photo but the paint has a definate pearl effect that is more like a flip paint than a modern pearlescent.

The mark doesnt show on this pic, but it is on the drivers door

[iwanna]

Find a local detailer to look at it, thats not a car (or paint) you want messed up.

Good luck!