My 2001 Merc has a Black/green metalic coat with at least 2 perls in it. I have a few chip marks in the bonnet that I wish to get fixed. Most of the people I talk to say that, without actually repainting the whole panel, the touch ups on metallic paint would still be noticable. Is this true or are there professionals out there that can make a touch up invisible.

Also, I am considering getting a protective coat put on the car which is suppose to last for years. My only concern is that if you put a coat on the car, you can't polish and wax. What do you guys think about these protective services? Waste of money?

Thanks if you can help.

hmm not sure what "2 perls" means, but I can answer the rest of the questions. Yea Touch paint is pretty hard to do with metallic colors, the only way it will truely be unnoticable is a respray(I may have to do that on my lexus). And dont waste your money on the protective coat(probably a paint sealant). Invest in your own polymer sealant and apply it yourself, like klasse, Zaino, Blackfire, Meguiars #20, Platinum, etc... BTW I highly recommend getting Xpel protection for the front end of your car if it is brand new and virtually chip free.

Im with ali! The only protective coating i would put on would be a x-pel, stongard type of product. As far as paint sealents, do it yourself. Zaino is great, as is klasse. (What is A perl?)

Thanks guys...much appreciated! To tell you the truth, I'm not really sure what the term "perl" is either. Some paint guy mentioned it to me yesterday - might be colloquial to Australian paint guys!!

I will definitely take both of your advise as I would rather have more control over my car's finish. Those paint protection guys say not to polish or wax for 5 years! Too good to be true if you ask me.

good luck man, be sure to post pics!