Whilst polishing my RRS a couple of weeks ago I managed to put a couple of hairline scratches on the wing. Never mind, I thought, I'll t-cut them out and re-wax the affected area. During the t-cutting I notice a little black paint on the cloth but thought nothing about it at the time. The end result looked fine so that was that, or so I thought.

However, a couple of weeks later I bought a can of Java black from Halfords to colour code the side vents and upon reading the instructions it advised that the finish should be lacquered as Java black is a pearlescent paint and is as soft as .

So, the dilemma I have is did I lift-off the lacquer when I t-cutted the wing and expose the paint and should I get it in the paint shop and have it professionally re-lacquered before the paint gets damaged?

Every chance you may have. There is T-Cut for Metalic and other finishes for this reason, I presume, did you use the standard version or one of the special versions of T-Cut?
Even the LR touch up paints come as set of two, with the top coat as well as paint. John

RRS MY12 SDV6 HSE. Sumatra Black/Ebony & Walnut + Dynamic Pack, + Cold Climate Pack + Memory Pack, Digital TV/DVD, Premium Leather, Cornering Lights, Cooler/Fridge Box, & most Options.

You'd be able to see it if you removed the lacquer, t cut is quite abrasive and don't break down as you use unlike other cutting compounds.
If the paint looks an even colour itll be fine. Just give it a polish.

I used t-cut for metallic paint but by the sounds of it should not be using this stuff at all. Can anyone recommend a product suitable for Java black or pearlescent paint in general?

Thanks

Unless you want to pay silly prices for the 'boutique' products then just use Autoglym Super Resin Polish to get a good shine. 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

Paddi, I use the Autoglym stuff meself, its great value and polishes without leaving that annoying 3D haze. It's the scratch remover I'm after though, one that doesn't remove the lacquer in the process of removing the scratch. Any suggestions?

As anyone can see just by looking at my car - I am no detailing expert

There is an Autoglym 'next step up' product called paint renovator but according to Chips Away - it is more abrasive than T-Cut which you've already tried.

https://www.chipsaway.co.uk/our-world/blog...-worth-it/

Have you tried applying a decent wax to the scratches - most have fillers in them that disguise minor scratches quite well? 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

Yeah, thinking about it using a suitable wax polish is the best way to go to disguise the scratches - we're only talking superficial scratches anyway. The abrasive nature of any scratch remover, t-cut or whatever, is not going to do the clear coat any good. Cheers Paddi.

I use poor boys black hole with nattys black wax on top, hides a multitude of sins Nanocom Evo