I've purchased some Gunze Sangyo Mr. Fine Compound - Super Fine and Tamiya's Polishing Compound Finish. I've never polished a canopy before, or anything else for that matter, but I've tried spreading some compound on the canopy with a q-tip, then with the other end, I rubbed it until it was clean/shining. However, overall it didn't seem like it made a big difference. Am I doing something wrong? I know I should probably use a coarser compound first maybe? Or sand it?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I use Future on my canopies and I think they turn out good

Ahoy Ion,

It all depends on the condition of the canopy.

An excellant aircraft modeler ( he is great with canopies) friend once gave me this tip.

A canopy of mine had blemishes and scratches so here is what I did:

Gently wet sand with extremely fine grit sandpaper, the kind used in the autobody
industry ( 600, 800, 1200 grit wet type sand paper)

Polish the canopy by briskly but lightly rubbing on some course cotton.
(I used the leg on the jeans I was wearing.

Lastly, dip the whole canopy in future floor polish and you should have a
crystal clear canopy.

Hope this helps,

Later
Joe

This is what I'd use. It's what teh car guys use to get their mirror like finishes.