[xtlwulf]

So I did I done messed up and tried to buff out some scratches on my carbon fiber mirror caps. I used 1000/3000/5000 grit and managed to remove the scratches but having a hard time buffing it out.

Any advice’s/recommendations on what I should do?

[tracer bullet]

I wonder if you spent enough time with the 3k and 5k? Have a picture?

Next I'd be looking at one or two steps of the liquids. Try some 5k paper again, then something like the "Meguiars ScratchX 2.0".

Also are you wet sanding? If not then you might not really be accomplishing what you think.

[Pathy01]

Are you using a machine to polish it out? What product(s) are you using?

A machine will be a lot faster and more effective at bringing back the gloss. You're probably going to be best served with a 2 step process of a more aggressive polish/compound followed up by a fine finishing polish/compound.

I've been very happy with Rupes products, which in this case would be their DA Coarse & DA Fine Compounds. I use those with the matching foam pads from Rupes. Microfiber pads (also matching the coarse/fine designation of the compound) will speed up the process. For a mirror cap, I use a mini polisher with 2 or 3 inch pads for better control on the small surface area.

[Carbontrims]

The first mistake you make is the 1000 - 3000 grit step. 1000 is very rough for the clear, you’re making deep scratches.

Make 1000 - 1500 -2500. Above 2500 hand sanding is hardly noticeable. Above 3000 - useless. When sanding, use a lot of water. Wash thoroughly between grits. Wash sandpaper and your part if you start hearing scratching sound.

You won’t polish by hand. Use machine. If you don’t have one, use any cordless drill with bufging pad. Use medium hard foam pad and medium cut or one step paste.

[TekkaMaki]

I hand polished with 3M marine fiberglass restorer & wax - then waxed over it with 3M boat wax. This produced great results. I use these products on our racing yacht.

[starlights]

I was successfully able to polish out scratches using orbital polisher, rupes polishing pads and Optimum Hyper Polish. Buffed out to mirror finish. Remember, less is more . so don't over polish.

If you don't have a DA and don't want to spend too much on one, then consider this one - I used it for smaller areas such as mirror caps, grille and such prior to Ceramic coating
Mini Polisher, 2inch/ 3inch 750W Car Buffer 9517 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ74Y3DN?

[UPSROD]

If you went trough the clear they will never shine again!