Barsteel
Appreciate the humble attitude. I too have been teaching myself autobody paint.. for about the last 4 years and it takes a lot of practice to get street rod hand rubbed results. (my work now looks better than 2010 factory base coat/clear.
I assume you are doing just a single stage? Basically the results are locked in with sanding. Block sanding is must, but after dry sanding I switch to block wet/dry sand at 600, apply filler prime, block wet sand 1000 and then final prime and knock it down with a light 1200 prior to final paint. Over filled areas multiple top coats is a must. If it is single stage I will then rub out the final paint with 2000-2500 and use a buffer with a 3M perfecta compound to bring it back. I still do the same on a clear coat, but many are satisfied with the factory finish.
good luck, it takes lots of practice
