Hi i have done quite a few dials since my post with some great success and a few not so good, due to poor preparation, so this is my take on the job, it may help some people out, the best way i found to do the the job was to put some water in a container then put an amount of powder on a plastic type lid, clean the clock dial properly getting rid of all the grime, then i rub the dial down with 400 wet and dry and then some finer grades look at the dial and try to get it looking the same all over as anything on the dial usually shows through, but this is not always avoidable, but you should be able to improve the dials appearance anyway give the dial another clean and thorough rinse, then dip a small paint brush in the water and dab it in your powder and apply to the dial in a circular motion, very soon you should see the dial changing get an even coat all over, i leave it about 15 mins then rinse off properly, then if it looks ok and im happy with the even finish i will go through the same procedure with the neutralizing powder, then dab it dry and use a hair dryer just to make sure, if your not happy with the finish go through the same thing again, its recommended you use de ionized water, thats up to you, this is my take and personal experience, some professionals may chime in and shoot me out the sky who knows, this works great for me, what i can say is dont be scared to have a go, the dial numerals on the dials i have done have been fairly intact but i would not have any probs using engravers wax to re black them there is plenty of info about that on the net, does not look like rocket science to me