UK 'Daily Mail' is oft referred as 'DAILY FAIL' - I wonder why. However sub-headline says:
" • RAF sources say scratches are delaying jets getting put into operational service
- • Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, have acknowledged defects in the coating..."
THEN "...'On the other hand, we inadvertently scratch the coating system, and we have to repaint it. Or when the mechanics spray the airplane [with LO coating], not all of it is robotically sprayed. There's some overspray, and they have to go clean that,' he [Jeff Babione] said. An RAF source told The Express: This situation obviously has to be rectified before the plane enters operational service.' The source also told the paper that defence secretary Gavin Williamson and RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen have always known about the issue....
...A company spokesman for Lockheed Martin told The Express that the coating is proving to be a significant success because of its practical strong points of speed and low cost. Despite this, Air Commodore Andrew Lambert, a former director of defence studies said: 'Lockheed Martin just say it's better now, but it takes just one scratch to give the fighter jet the same radar profile as a 747, then you may as well not be bothering.'"
The 'LO paint' may be scratched - that needs fixing however the underlying 'baked in stealth' can take some 'damage' before becoming a problem. Lots of quotes in this forum about that plus the smoothing of surface by airflow over many flights 'improves' the stealth so I'm guessing that applies to the paint finish as well. The last sentence is complete B/S probably made by the old guy being out of any knowledge loop about the F-35 (like 'Sharkey' Ward). Storm in a Teacup.
RAN FAA A4G Skyhawk 1970s: https://www.faaaa.asn.au/spazsinbad-a4g/ AND https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwqC_s6gcCVvG7NOge3qfAQ/