My 1st true cut & buff 15yrs ago was factory clear on my 1993 Caddy.
2000g only, compound was auto parts store 3m course/heavy cut followed by fine then chroma2000.
I used a blue solid, not hex or waffle design pad attached to 3/8 drill for everything. Was 2" thick.
Best finish i ever did. Wax actually dulled shine a tad. Rub with finger you'd scratch it.
Past few yrs i've beed using hex orange to cut, didnt like yellow, white or black for polish. That's just me & kinda liked smooth pads better.
Who makes good 3-6" velcro smooth ones?
And my small 1 panel at a time pe-8 gets cranked up to 3 max for my 1 handed operation.