Which product(s) did you use?
These days I'm all about either All in One (AIO is polish and protection in one step, 3D HD Speed) or a Single Step (no protection, 3D HD One).
I found a long lasting super shine spray on topper wax/sealant I like (Shinee Wax) that I also use as a quick detailer, so I use Single Step these days.
But both are so good, either is my go to. I think personally, I still like HD Speed the best. Maybe just because I've used it so long? Finished results are pretty much the same, except you need a topper/sealant/wax with HD One.
Yesterday was 3D HD One. I typically pair either with Lake Country CCS Orange pads (light cutting) or, most recently Buff and Shine Uro-Fiber 50/50. That's what was used here. I'm still not sold on Uro-Fiber pads. I don't think they're better (for the money) than the CCS pads. But I've been using them since they are supposed to be "the" combo with HD One.
I use a 15mm long throw polisher by Torq but a Porter Cable 7424 is great and I used for many years previously.
Hope this long winded reply was helpful.