Submitted by Skip: (pococj)

A site for supplies and Information on this topic http://www.caswellplating.com/

Tips on buffing aluminum...

1) Start with emery compound (black) on a sisal wheel; work the piece until it
is as perfect as you can get it.

2) Follow this with the same compound on a sewn wheel to take out some of
the scratches made by the sisal wheel.

3) Next use Tripoli (Brown) compound on a spiral sewn wheel.

4) Now use white compound on another spiral sewn wheel, alternating with
cut and then polish motions, and with less pressure than the previous steps.

5) Finish with jeweler’s rouge (red) on a loose sewn cotton wheel.

Notes: After each step thoroughly clean any compound off the piece with a
solvent (brake cleaner works great).
If swirls remain, wet the piece slightly and then use baby powder or
cornstarch on a loose sewn wheel.