Hello Joe!

Here's a technique that makes alot of sense.

Most new car finishes are enamel while most touch-up

paints are lacquer. Apply the paint to the scratch not

worrying about trying to match the original paint's

thickness. (Of course don't go over-board with too much)

The next step is the "trick" part. After the paint has

dried for a day, wet a 1/8" by 1" piece of balsa wood

with lacquer thinner. Don't wet it too much, just moisten

it on one side only. Then, lightly apply the wet side of

the wood to the new paint in a light sanding motion.

Periodically check the wood to be sure that it's removing

the excess paint. Apply a little more thinner to the wood

if needed. When the "touched-up" paint matches the contour

of the original, STOP! Let it dry for a day and polish and

wax as usual. The idea behind all of this is that the lacquer

thinner will remove the new paint without removing the original

and in a way that blends the two paints seamlessly.

The credit for this technique goes to Frank Freeman of the

now defunct Group6 performance. He was full of great ideas!

Good Luck!

1995 854 Turbo, IPD/TME ECU upgrade and exhaust, 17" wheels, 53K miles