We used 1200 then 1500 then 2000 then 2500 then finished up with 3000 (all by hand with soft sanding blocks). Then buffed with the 3M 3 step polishing process. Step 1 has a white label on the compound bottle, and you use the white 3M foam pad. Step 2 has a black label on the compound bottle, and you use the black 3M foam pad. Then the final super fine polish has a blue label on the compound bottle, and you use the blue 3M foam pad. The 3M 3 step process is a rather expensive way to go, but I tried it about 15 years ago and will never use anything else again. That is how much I liked it!