I use Micro-Mark pads starting with 2400, then 4000, 6000, then 8000. One thing to remember, is each grit, being twice as fine as the last one, takes longer to do it's job over the finish. Stepping up to the next finer grit too soon, you'll leave behind scratches from 2 grits before, and you'll not be able to get them out. By the time you get to 8000, (maybe 12000 if it's really dark color), you can switch to some kind of compound/polish system, like Novus and finish up.
You shouldn't have any scratches after the novus. Use #3 very patiently, then #2 even more patiently. Now, you can do your trim work (painting/BMF), apply decals, then finish with Novus #1. Novus #1 has silicates in it, so make sure you're done painting/decaling/foiling before using it. If the paint is Duplicolor automotive lacquer, or Dupont Chroma, I use 3M #39007 Imperial hand glaze as the final polish.
Had lots of good luck too.![Cool [8D]](/emoticons/icon_smile_cool.gif)
