Ok, so, here is where a paint job really starts to take on a life of it's own. This is really the difference between a nice job, and a "HOLY $^!^" job.

Picture 1. Here is the stab, it looks pretty good, but you can definitely see the orange peel in the light reflections and yup, there's some dust in there!!!

Picture 2. Some more dust just to show you that even with a paint booth, and doing things properly, dust is inevitable.

Picture 3. First, using the 1500 grit sanding disks on a soft block (I use a foam rubber sanding block, again from 3M and just wrap the disk around the sides to hold onto it) begin sanding the surface, check it regularly by wiping it dry, you will instantly see the orange peel, and any dust in there.

Picture 4. Sand the surface until it's uniform and you no longer see any dust or orange peel. Don't worry that there's no shine, we'll bring it back! While sanding, I first sand in one direction and then again at 90 degrees to the first. Don't start sanding in circles.

Picture 5. Change to the trizact 3000 grit pads and go over the surface until you can no longer see any 1500 grit scratches. It will start to change to more of a satin looking finish at this point.

Picture 6. Now wipe it dry, and put a few drops of the extra cut compound on. Use it sparingly, to much and it won't break down while polishing and you'll end up going through your finish. Use the white waffle pad on the polisher on it's lowest RPM setting. Before starting, wash out the pad, keep it damp.

Picture 7. Before turning the polisher on, rub the polishing compound over the surface with the pad, this will spread it out evenly without flinging it all across your shop.

Picture 8. When you polish, always make sure the polisher is running OFF the edge, in other words, make sure it's running so that it cannot hook a corner or dig into the edge. This means holding the polisher at a slight angle on the edges. Overlap your passes by at least 1/2 when polishing and do NOT press down on the polisher, the weight of the polisher itself is more than enough. Pressing down will generate to much heat and you run the risk of burning your clear. Using to high of an RPM will do the same thing. At this point, it's looking pretty good, but still slightly hazy and swirl marked. repeat this step if you still see minor scratches, if you see deep scratches you'll need to go back to your sanding and sand the scratches out first.

Picture 9. Switch to the swirl remover and repeat the previous step with the grey waffle pad, again, wash it out and keep it damp. Now you should have a surface that is mirror like! If you still see swirls or scratches, repeat the process.

Picture 10. Now the light reflections don't have that hazy uneven edge as the orange peel is all gone as is the dust!

Picture 11. Here is the bottom of the stab with the pearl white.

Picture 12. Here are the stabs back on the airplane, now, just the rest of the plane to paint!!!!