Newbie help on polishing

I have used the search menu to look for help on this topic.
But none of them answer my question I think?
I have the Tamiya Polishing compound and here is my questions?

1. Can I put some polishing compound on my body(car) after the clear coat was put on?

2. Do I have to wet sand the body after the clear coat was put on then apply the polishing compund?

3. Will the polising compund remove some paint?
I am using Tamiya Acrylic paints on my model.
Any help would be great.

Thanks
:)

I don't know if this applies to models, but in real life clearcoat makes paint imperfections more visible. I assume you would remove as much orange peel by sanding with 2000+ grit sandpaper and then polishing it down, then applying clearcoat after its smooth as glass. And then I suppose you can polish the clearcoat to give the whole model a clean finish.

I've never experienced with tamiya polish, but turtle wax polishing compound seems to work fine for me.

It isn't necessary to add clearcoat if you polish the paint directly.

you can polish the clearcoat tho if you have laid one down.

get a nice set of sanding cloths: 4000-12000 grit.

I try to use only 6000 and above to get rid of orange peel. i usually wet sand to save wear on the sanding cloths.

after you sand with the 12000 grit, you will have a decent shine already, but then you start with the waxes. there is a 4 step process that well worth the money that you spend on the wax.

1. use Meguiars #2 - it is a fine scratch remover
2. use Meguiars #9 - swirl remover
3. use Meguiars #7 - polishing wax
4. finish with Meguiars #26 - liquid not paste

this works great with lacquers too.

Jake

Great thanks for the advice!
I'll try that:)

I've looked all over town for some high grit polishing cloths. Anyone know where I can get some online?

Micro-Surface (http://www.micro-surface.com/) has all the polishing cloths anyone will need online !
:bandit: Mike

One thing you have to be wary of is cure time for the paints. Generally wait 10 days after spraying for enamels, and 4 days after lacquers (assuming you keep them in 60-70 degree or above weather). Otherwise the paint is too soft and does not respond well to polishing.