paint question

[Coyote]

Can clear coat be compounded? You might remember that my tank was damaged by a falling board when they were roofing my house. The roofers took my tank, paint and reducer to have it repaired. Got it back today. Apparently it was clear coated in a dusty environment as it has little bumps in the finish now and there is a scratch in it that wasn't there before. So can I compound it? If so, how long does it need to cure? They only had it for one week. The repair looks good except for the little bumps and the scratch. It was done with a professional (automotive) type clear.

[Suzsmokeyallan]

Actually you don't compound it, you sand it down wet first. Try some 2000 grade paper wet sanding it by hand and if the areas are not moving, then drop to 1500 to get the required sections out. Avoid pressing with your finger tip in the sections to level the bumps, use even flowing strokes instead, this gives it a better finish to the section.
You want the clear leveled as evenly as possible without cutting through it so take your time and wipe with a damp cloth to check your work against the reflection of a florescent lamp or sunlight.
If it needed the 1500 first, after you are finished with that stage move up to 2000 next and work smoothly in even strokes, don't swirl the paper in circles as it will leave marks that are harder to remove in the polishing process.
After its all smooth and dried then you will need to use some high quality products to do the cutting, polishing and final buffing procedure.
If its been painted for a week I'd give it at least another week before doing any work to it.

[Coyote]

Allan, won't I cut through the clear when I sand the bumps off? I don't see how I can avoid it.

[Suzsmokeyallan]

Well that would mean the bumps are either in the red or the clear, you have to hope its the latter. If you compound it as you had planned the tip of each bump will break through in any case regardless of which layer its in.
If its just in the clear coat you can wet sand it all to a smooth finish as I suggested and give it a single 'wetcoat' re-clear, or if its looks ok enough after the sanding, attempt a cut and polish on what you see as being able to handle the final steps to a cut and polish.
You can try working on one bump first to see what happens, try the compound and if its not happening go to the 2000 paper to see those results. I know you are pissed about the whole thing and I dont blame you since it was a great job originally.
Whoever did the original paint for you may offer some solutions to try. I know you DONT want to hear my take on what I'd do to the roofers.