What i have found is that when you are done with one step, you really need to wash the area with soap and water to remove all traces of compound. IF it looks good then proceed to the next step. This helps with swirls because it keeps the cutting compound off the surface and off your polishing pads.

Also what i have found to work well is, after wool and compound. Make one pass with an older foam polishing pad , with your cutting compound, Also the compound you use makes a big difference. 3m 36060 or 36061 is really good and works great for me.

This is silver so honestly you shouldnt need much polishing to make it look good.

I like using a DA with a 6.5" foam pad to final polish and even apply wax. Works nice and smoooth