I’m sure there are other options to getting a smooth glossy finish, but sanding and buffing is the mainstream option. Having a buffing wheel may reduce some of the necessary sanding work, but probably only if you become very proficient at spraying your finishes.
The usual provisos go with wet sanding. You want to avoid getting water in holes, as the water can soak into the wood, which then swells up around the hole and can crack the finish. So best to avoid drilling small holes for scratchplates etc. until afterwards. If pre-drilled, you can fill the holes with wax first to keep the water out. Beeswax (get it in blocks for candle making) is probably the easiest solid wax to use, but I have heard of beeswax paste also being used. Wipe down the finish immediately after wet sanding to remove the water. Removing the sanding residue when going to a finer grit also helps get a better finish as the old residue particles can still scratch the finish, which makes it harder to remove the fine scratches made by the previous grit with the finer grit paper you’ll use next.
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