Sorry about all the posts today (well, 2 posts today that is).

Anyway, I'm not asking about Ultimate Compound for my truck as it doesn't need it. But I am thinking about trying it on my Dad's car. His hood is very dull. It's been baking in the sun since 1997. He's always washed and waxed, but he doesn't really know what he's doing (using a dusty sweatshirt to buff the wax, using his car wash brush to wash the windows on his house haha). Anyway, in the middle of his hood it looks like it's been completely scuffed with fine sandpaper. There is absolutely no shine in that area. I was able to bring it back in a 1'x1' section that I taped off. I clayed it, swirl x'd, nu finished and waxed. I want something stronger. What do you recommend? I will be doing it by hand. I can take some pics if you'd like. The car is black. Thanks guys. You're always amazingly helpful.

 

If by hand then I'd do M105 followed by M205, especially if it's as bad as you described it. Rule of thumb, though, is to stay least aggressive and if it doesn't work step it up. I've heard great things about UC, so you can easily give it a shot considering it's sold locally.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25638

 

Ultimate Compound is good to have in your arsonal and only cost $10 so I would definitely start with it. But you may need to move up to 105/205 like stated above. This is with out seeing it, are you sure the clear coat didnt fail in that area? Also you may want to add a polish.

 

With no pics but just going off of what your saying I would not be trying this by hand at all.

 

I'll try to get some pics.

The clear coat could have very well failed in the area. However, I did bring a decent shine back in a square taped off area. I ended up doing the rest of the hood, but the area that I taped off and did first still looks noticeably better. I tried not even going over it so that area wouldn't have two coats. Can't get the rest to match the original taped off section no matter what I try.

 

I'm no pro but after I purchased a DA I realized how crazy I must have been to even attempt some things via hand. With the DA you will get better results and save your self some energy.

 

Any links to something you'd recommend? Preferably at a local auto parts store (autozone, etc). Thanks man.

 

It's going to be very difficult to find a DA locally. When I looked all I saw were orbital buffers, which aren't nearly as effective. Your best bet is to buy a kit from Rick at Auto Detailing Solutions.

Something similar to this:
http://autodetailingsolutions.net/g110-kit-2.html