CFster

I’ll start with as coarse as 800 grit sanding sponge (especially if I’ve just had to scrape off a seam line) and move up progressively to 4000 or so and then switch to Tamiya Coarse, Fine and Finish polishing compound using a polishing sponge. Some people use Novus products, or even polishes from the auto parts store.

I polish my clear parts.

Substitute? Doesn’t every model paint manufacturer make gloss varnishes?

Just another brand of AS-186 style compressors. You’ll find these also badged as ZENY, VIVOHOME, Point Zero, Master, OPHIR, VIVOR, CO-Z etc. etc. They all come out of the same factory.

Not sure which one you’re using, but Alclad ALC-304 Gloss Black Base was replaced by ALC-305 Gloss Black Base because of curing issues. There are still bottles of 304 out there on store shelves.