Buick Skylark Clearcoat

I wanted to preserve whatever patina I had left. We removed as much of the surface rust as possible using SOS pads and very light wet sandpaper. There was enough paint left to try and give it a clearcoat. The painter used five coats of clear, and it looked too bright. I told him I wanted it toned down and he aske me if I wanted him to use semi gloss or a matte finish. I told him to try a polishing compound, and he countered it would make it brighter. My logic was that the compound would actually cut down on the gloss. He did as I asked and he sent me these pics last night. I like the pics, but I will look at the car later today.
Any members here that have gone this route? Success?
Bob

 

The gloss was on my request. I should have requested samples.

 

Go over it with a red scotch Brite pad and some scuff stuff paste

 

I had the ScotchBrite pad and I had to show the painter to use it very lightly ro remove the bright highlight on sharp edges and around the stainless trim. He told me he understood the look I wanted and I left him to finish it. I will check it out tomorrow, but it should a natural patina look without looking gaudy. The upholster has been started, The disc brakes are done. I am having a '68 350CI rebuilt. A big delay is going to be the Lunati street performer flat tappet cam. I will start on the wiringbefore it gets upholstered.

 

I am comfortable with the clear coat finish. There will be some touching up as we move along with the restoration, I will now concentrate on upholstery, wiring and the engine and transmission conversion, Some pics of how it looked when I bought it 3 or 4 months ago . Buried in dirt and mud for the last 20 years.
Bob