Although I havn't done much fine finishing since I left the fiddle shop in the 70s, I usually slightly wet a surface when I think the sanding is about done to raise the grain. Then go over it again with fine paper on a block to get a newer and even smoother finish.
I think finishing with a scraper, particularly on a large flat surface, could give the best results particularly if you're not going to apply a lot of coats of whatever your finish is. Tom Fowle
