Well, my car is in need of a full detail at some point (one for the summer when I have more time), but for now I decided to just give the bonnet a go and see if I can improve things without the need of using a powered polisher. It will need a proper polisher on it at some point, but anyway, here is the before pic after washing with Megs Gold Class with a lambswool mitt and the two bucket method:

I then proceeded to clay the bonnet, which presented quite a lot of filth!

Despite this, there are a few sap spots from the previous owner that I couldn't shift, even with a lot of claying. :( I then set about with the Klasse all-in-one followed by two layers of Collinite 476s. Finished result:

I think the swirling has been improved slightly and the bonnet is definitely a lot glossier than it was before, but it still needs some serious work.

Fair play for having a go at improving the finish and I am sure it's a lot smoother now and protected.............

Yeah, tbh the bonnet and the front bumper could both do with a respray; 110k miles have taken their toll with stonechips! Just can't afford that sort of thing though, so it's a case of trying to sort out whatever I can. Displayed some fantastic beading in this rain though and the water just flew off as I was driving with barely anything staying on the car. I am slowly starting to like 476s, I have found it hard work in the past but I'm getting there now.

i love collinite - affordablebut very effective IMO