dalbers - interesting, seems like your learning the tequnique. your test area is nice and easy to work with. from what i see you need to thin just a BIT more, and when wetsanding, maybe try 600 grit until the 4th coat and then go to 800. when you prep, it's not nessessarly better to go with a fine grit paper, i would prep to 400 grit max. it's hard to tell from you pics, but i would say you need to wetsand more, until the paint looks like a perfect "flat" finish with no high/low spots or marks at all. keep up the good work, obviously continue with just that hood, until you perfect and get a "feel" for the process, soon grasshopper, soon you will be ready.