Respray or paint rescue?
 

My 14 year old blue/black Bug looks great from a distance (about 25 metres) but close up the front of the car looks like it's been lightly sandblasted. I suspect a respray is the only option or are there alternatives?

Respray every time. Paint rescue is not a long time cure in my opinion.

Pictures will help.

Unfortunately all looks well in pictures, in fact I posted some up in one of the threads and I was congratulated on having an immaculate car! I'll try to get some close up bonnet pics, that's the worst area.

look for pure gloss on face book contact him a good mate and his work speaks volumes

Often the case with black cars, people only see the gloss.

Try to get it under some decent lighting. Even petrol stations or multi story carparks can show up paint defects well

I'm a detailer in your area, happy to meet up and take a look to give you a better idea of what can/can't be salvaged.