Question about ridges and paint

It has been suggested that the difference between the ridges on the MFX replica sonic and the ridges on the prop is caused by the paint. See the comparison pic here: [prop above/MFX below]

An observation needs to be made here: the prop paint finish is thicker by several orders of magnitude to the MFX. The MFX finish, although correct in colour, is very, very thin. However, that will not account for the notion put forward that the ridge shape error on the MFX is caused by this.

Let explain why basic geometry disproves this.

The ridges are the wrong shape to start with. In order to correct the mistake, you need to REMOVE material, not add it. Paint can only add material, and not to the extent needed to change the basic profile of the ridge.

See the following diagram which illustrates the incorrect ridge profile of the MFX:

 The blue line is the plane where the correction needs to be made. Above the line material needs to be removed, below the line material needs to added. Paint can add that 0.3mm or so into the trough of the ridge where it will pool (and that will account for why the MFX ridge trough is deeper than the prop) but it cannot take away the 0.3mm material that ruins the ridge shape.