Can't get rid of remaining swirls

[matt15]

I've been experimenting on my gloss black motorcycle which was dropped by the previous owner, resulting in a lot of scuffs and scratches. I've been able to make significant improvements but am having trouble getting rid of some remaining swirls. I did the following:

1. wash and clay
2. wetsand with 2000, then 3000 grit using ONR as lubricant
3. Buff with a 7424xp at speed 6, using Meg's Ultimate Compound and Meg's burgundy foam cutting pad
4. Buff with Meg's Ultimate Polish at speed 5, using Meg's Yellow foam polishing pad
5. After inspection I noticed that it really didn't get rid of the wetsanding marks so I moved to the Lake Country Yellow CCS foam cutting pad with Ultimate Compound at speed 6.
6. Buff with Meg's Ultimate Polish at speed 5, using Meg's Yellow foam polishing pad

I did a couple passes with each pad, since the final inspection wasn't what I was expecting but these swirls just won't go away. Is the another step between cutting and polishing that I can try? Or am I not using the right technique/product?

Thanks!

This photo was taken after step 4.

This photo was taken after step 6.

 

[Evan.J]

You will need to try out a MF cutting pad and M105


What you have is not aggressive enough to remove those sanding marks.

 

[matt15]

You will need to try out a MF cutting pad and M105


What you have is not aggressive enough to remove those sanding marks.

Great, thanks. So after using what you suggested, so I know what to expect, the finish should be scratch free but possibly a little hazy until it has been polished?

 

[Evan.J]

Great, thanks. So after using what you suggested, so I know what to expect, the finish should be scratch free but possibly a little hazy until it has been polished?

Yes. You might even find that combo to finish down daily well depending on the paint. I usually follow up with a foam pad and polish after.