I use a little over 1 CC per OZ. Plus I add about 5% Surfacing Agent. Kokua taught me that.
You need only sand to 600. And if your gloss comes out super smooth, maybe only 400.
After sanding, you will need to buff the board with polishing compound. I use 3M, others swear by Surluster or Maguires. Either will work great. An automotive store should carry someting useable. You can get Surluster via mail from the states.
You should have a variable speed 7" sander and a wool buffing bonnet to begin. I use 3M Super duty buffing compound. I will buff one half of the board in 3 foot increments, then buff the other half. what you do is squirt out a SMALL amount of compund on the board and then take the sander at the lowest speed and the motion is more or less like sanding, just with a little more pressure at the onset. Make long smooth passes gradually lightening the downward pressure once the compound is rubbed away. You will quickly notice that the board becomes glossy.
Affter the Souer duty compound I switch to a medium cut and repeat the process. 3M Also makes a fine cut, but I don’t really see the need to go more than the medium.
Afte you are done polishing with the buffing compound, I switch to a polishing bonnet, and use a marine liquid wax to finish the board off. here it atually helps to have two polishing bonnets, one to apply, and the other to rub the wax off.
A few hints, keep a pitcher of water, or fill up a spray bottle with water and keep them handy. It helps to spritz the board whilst buffing. Not a lot, just a little water will prevent burns.
Always keep the sander moving, slow and steady.
Buff directly under overhead lights. This helps you see the scratches. And you will have lot’s of them. After many glosses you will eventually reduce, and then eliminate even the most minute of scratches…but for your first few, they will be there so don’t worry about them. In fact you can really only see them upon very close inspection.
Oh yeah, one more thing, whilst buffing, you tend to get this line of compound that forms across the shirt by your chest, so don’t wear anything nice.
Drew