Valve cover (and other aluminum parts) dress up

I got some great comments on painting my valve cover metallic blue. Painting engine parts and even undercarriage parts is a good way to make your truck unique, special, and YOURS!
But on the aluminum parts, has anyone ever tried to polish them to shiny? I've seen that done to motorcycle engine parts, and airplanes. Lots of polishing and buffing, but the results are mirror like. Or is that a different type of aluminum.
Just wondering...

 

It can be done. It is a lot of work, even if you have the tools and skills.

Then the rub becomes maintenance, as polished aluminum or alloy is not maintenance free.

Pictured are stock wheels, which were sand cast alloy, which took 2 professionals in a dedicated polishing shop a hard 8 hours (16 man hours) to accomplish. And took me a couple hours a month to keep crisp enough for local car shows.

 

Looks good!

 

Here’s what polishing can do

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oil-catch-can-03-3-4.763486/#post-27349094

 

That is amazing!

 

Right? You could work on any part of that truck in your “church clothes” and not get them dirty. Mad respect for the dedication. Props to @jammer

 

I saw a good youtube video where a guy polishes aluminum motorcycle parts with Eastwood products. Show's you the whole process.

 

I chrome powder coated my valve covers. I have a pic somewhere.

 

Polished my wheels to.

 

Damn, now that’s impressive

 

@mechanicjon Curious if you put any sort of clear coat on the valve cover? I've always wondered if a clear coat would hold up to the heat.
Thanks

 

No clear coat. Just powdercoated

 

I think I looked at that a while back. Maybe that's where the idea came from.

Only if you could find high heat clear coat, otherwise it would peel and flake off. Its a good idea though!