Ok to use polishing compound on metallic paint?
 

I did a quickie paint job on a new fender, using a blue metallic (single-stage) acryllic laquer out of spray cans. It turned out pretty good, but the finish is a bit dull.

Is it safe to use polishing compound on this? The paint can says you can use rubbing/polishing compound after a week, but I'm not so sure how well metallics will hold up. Thanks!

No, you can not compound a metallic. It will cut thru the layers of metallic and make it blotchy.

Brian

Polishing metallic paint
 

I'm glad I asked first!

Sand what you have with 1000 grit wet then apply three more nice coats of paint. If the paint goes on with little to no texture you should be safe to lightly polish it out to a fair gloss. Use a light polish like 3M's old Finesse. Or you could apply three to four coats of lacquer clear and colorsand and buff.

The best way would be quit using lacquer products and switch to a basecoat/clearcoat urethane system.