Just to add my method. I run through the micromesh pads on my CA finish. Although it looks nice and glossy upon casual inspection, under the correct lighting you can see minuscule surface marks. This is particularly noticeable with specular reflections.
To resolve this, after the CA is finished to a gloss with the MM, I then buff it using a dedicated buffer (
Harbor Freight $36 ), flannel buffing wheels (
Caswell CFW64 $4 each), and buffing compound (First I use
Caswell F515-6163 Plastic-Glo P-22 $15 on my left wheel; then I finish off with Caswell
F515-6165 Plastic Buffing Compound P-112 $14 on my right wheel).
Actually, if you use both buffing compounds, you can skip the last few MM grits, as the P-22 can take their place. The P-112 will get it smoother than the MM can. By buffing with the pen tube oriented length-wise, you can eliminate any circumferential marks, which are the easiest to see in specular lighting. I will finish off with a thin coating of Renaissance Wax applied and buffed by hand, mainly because it helps prevent fingerprints.
Do a forum search for Caswell and you'll see lots of information on buffing. Incidentally, the buffing compounds come in huge bars. One bar can be cut into 2 or three pieces, each of which would be a lifetime supply the way I use it.