[piecesparts]

Go to the auto parts store and get some of the 3-M rubber backing pads for wet sanding (if you haven't already got them). Use them to back your sand paper when you sand the paint. That will remove any chance of ridges, in the finish product, that might be caused by your fingers on the paper. I also use that pad or a small squeegee made of surgical material to wipe the water and paint film off as I rinse the sanded surface. I use a 1500 grit to start, but finish up with a 2500 grit to remove the larger sanding scratches and plenty of water. I believe you get what you put into it, in effort. What I look for a smooth finish (sanding scratches are there though) to ensure that the pebbled finish of the orange peel is gone. When you buff, the finish will give a shine like a mirror. I use 3-M finnessee-It as my buffing compound and then follow up with a 3-M glazing compound to take the swirl marks out. The thing that you want to look for is a buffing compound that does not cut too much or you will go through the clear coat. There are quite a few hours of sanding and buffing in the finish on this one.