My finish process goes something like this:
day 1. 2 wash coats 50/50 lacquer to thinner. I like Mcfaddens the best. 1-2 top coats that are 90/10. pour fill if needed, let gas off for 2 days.
day 2. 5 top coats. scuff sand the next morning with 220, let gas off for the day.
day 3. color day, plus 5 full coats. drop fill where needed. scuff sand the next morning, try to get it as flat as possible, let gas off for a day.
day 4. 5 full coats, drop fill if needed. flat sand the next morning, let gas off for a day.
day 5. 2 light coats.
let cure for 2 weeks, wet sand with 600 then 1000 grit then buff.
There is no sense in doing any finish sanding while you are still technically building it. Once the building stage is complete, CLEAN your entire work space. Finish sand to 220, any higher and the lacquer doesn't stick too well. Clean your work space again. Once its done curing you want an immaculate clean area to work on it.