Hand polishing advice

Hi guys

I know hand polishing is more time consuming and perhaps won’t give me 90% correction, but will it remove swirls and other defects?

I was thinking of using Megs Ultimate Compound but unsure of how to apply by hand, whether it be with a foam or microfiber applicator, and if I need to follow up with Megs Ultimate Polish.

Car is a black metallic Toyota.

Thanks in advance.

Here’s my advice: Don’t do it.

If you must forego the DA orbital and want to clean the paint, hand rubbing with Ultimate Polish should do. I wouldn’t bother with Ultimate Compound by hand, you’re not going to correct even 10% swirls unless you really know what you’re doing, or if you’re Popeye.

Stick with a simple goal of cleaning paint with the polish and you have a better chance of achieving it. If you want noticeable swirl correction, get a DA and pads.

This is always a good reference thread.

Man versus Machine

You can walk coast to coast too, but why. Machines are so cheap now it's crazy to try by hand.