I use only thin CA. . Apply a few (4 or 5) coats with accelerator sprayed after each coat. . Spread accel by hand, then wipe off before next CA.
Then wet sand (lathe off) with 180 grit (lightly) and 240 grit to just take off the high spots. . Abrasive papers from Home Depot or other big box.
Then a couple more coats of CA and sand again.
Repeat a third time.
Now it's getting time to do the sanding seriously: 240, 320, 400, 600, 800 ... aim for smooth CA surface but not glossy
Be careful not to sand through the CA. . You're now trying to level the CA .... ideally getting the highs down to level with the lows ...
Another couple of CA coats then sand: 240, 320, 400, 600, 800
Another couple of CA coats then sand: 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 (maybe even 1500, 2000). . Getting close to finished ... very smooth
......
After final sanding, use a couple of grades of cut-polish: Novus 3 (rub by hand and wipe off - do it twice); Novus 2 (by hand - twice).
When you rub by hand, use 50-60 strokes after each application ... all lengthwise to the blank, lathe off turning by hand.
Finish should be nice and glossy all over now.
Finally apply Meguiar's PlastX ... rub by hand 50-60 strokes then polish with cloth. . The cloth rubbing smooth surface will SQUEAK !
This whole process will take upwards of an hour when you get good at it !
It does take practice !!!