I lap everything,

(I have a granite slab someone threw out) so things come out flat enough and need just a tiny bit of paste. Auto stores have all the 3m sandpaper I need (1000/1500/2000) and for final polish, flip over the 2000 and use some ceramique and water (I have .6 micron polishing compound but I get a nice shine when I buff in the ceramique too.)