OK, since it seems some pretty skilled polishers have posted lately...I have a different question.

I don't want that "mirror" finish, but my rims certainly need re-finishing. Is there one final step that I should use, regardless of how far I go in the polishing process, or should I just keep moving to next material until I'm happy.

Does that make sense?

 

If you don't want to remove the casting on the rims, I suppose you could try just stripping the clear coat and wetsanding with 400. I dunno how that would come out. Also, just stripping the clear coat made a HUGE difference on my rims. The clear was faded and stained in some spots. Stripping it made the rims look 500% cleaner. Maybe try just stripping the clear and re-clearcoating them if you want protection. Otherwise, strip them and keep them clean.