Keep in mind that applying compounds, like Crown Factory Compound, requires a large amount of human intervention, thus, producing an equally large amount of variability. That implies that until one gathers enough experience applying such (the same amount of compound, the same hand pressure, using the same applicator, spinning for the same amount of time [see the number of variables growing?]), results are going to vary as well.
That said, Crown compound contains a very aggressive abrasive. Usually applying it over any grit level of 1500 grit or greater is going to result in a polished visual appearance. So, for all practical purposes, you might as well have applied a true polish to begin with. For this reason, unless you have a lot of experience using CC, I'd strongly suggest applying it over a 500 grit base.
If you apply a little at a time (nickel to quarter size), doing 4 sides and use a decent micro-fiber towel or other similar pad (like the back of a used Abralon pad) to apply it, you can easily see what the results are as you go along. I'd suggest using a wet, strong paper towel, like Bounty, to clean off the residue, to see what you have each time you stop.
