Maintaining Original Paint

I have some basic questions on maintaining my BE original paint.

1. I have some light scratches from a bicycle handle that I would like to remove. Can rubbing compound be used?

2. I have chips on the bonnet around the grill. Has anyone had any success in using touch up repair kits or is paint matching best left up to the pros.


Thanks

John

If the paint is orignal it will not be like the current paints. Light scratches possible could be buffed out, but I doubt it. If you can feel it running your fingernail across it no.
Your paint can be repaired.

Of you go to a paint shop that does restoration work. they can do it.

Without actually seeing a finish up close and experimenting with some products/techniques it's impossible for anybody to say for sure what can and can't be done with it.

But as a general rule, unless it's practically falling off the car an old finish can usually be improved considerably, but can't be restored to "showroom new."

It's best to start with something mild and experiment, increasing aggressiveness until you hit on the least aggressive combination that gives good results.

As for "rubbing compound," it's too generic a term. Multiple companies make products with that title on the can and all are different. For the most part, the old style "rocks in a can" rubbing compounds do more damage than good.

The effectiveness of touch-ups varies wildly. Too many variables to make blanket statements but some people have been successful on some finishes.

Finding a "pro" to do touch-ups is iffy. You normally have to hunt one down. Most shops insist on re-spaying the entire panel.



pc