DA SANDING CLEAR COAT

Does anyone sand the clear with a DA sander before buffing it. If so what for sanding disks do you use. Wet or dry ? Ive been painting & wet sanding for a good many years. I have just started to DA the clear for about 4 years. It does a good job & you dont have the mess of wet sanding. The problem i have is that it takes alot of disks to do a car & a box of 1500 is expensive. It doesnt take long to go through a box of 50. I havent found a 1500 grit disk that last longer. I have been using a 3m hook it disk. It buffs out really nice. The last box of 50 1500 grit was a little over $65 Depending on how much dirt i get in the clear & the size of the fender on average ill go through 5 to 6 disks. I dont get alot of orange peel. I can usaly lay it pertty smooth but if you want that mirror finish sanding & buffing is a must.