you will inflict more micromarring with the applicator than LP will inflict.
if you want it done right, the only option is by machine. good results can be had by hand, however technique and alot of time are needed, and to be fair the difference isnt correction itll more be product filling..
myself, DaveKG and Gordon (Defined Details,Caledonia on DW) spent a good few hours a while back now testing various cuts with polishes and techniques.