How to polish this reel part?

[newapti5]

I recently acquired an old JDM Daiwa CV-Z 105L. One of the sideplates has many tiny scratches - boat rash I guess.  Since Plat has already stopped stocking this part, I try to repair it myself. I have tried some 2K grit wetsanding, some 3M Trizact 5K grit, and some Meguiar's ScratchX polisher, but none really worked. The surface seems machine cut/milled.  Any idea how I can fix/alleviate it? Thanks!

 

 

[WRB]

Without being familiar with  the component the aluminum is more than likely clear anodized with scratches penetrating the coating. Polishing is only removing the anodized surface protecting the aluminum.

Tom

 

[PhishLI]

41 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

One of the sideplates has many tiny scratches

The face was cut/turned on a lathe, so the only practical way to recreate the tooling bias is to sand/polish it on a lathe. However, you'll remove both the anodize and probably the etched lettering when removing the deep scratches. Applying a clear coat afterward like ProtectaClear will save the aluminum from future oxidation and will provide a measure of scratch protection.

ProtectaClear | Durable Surface Protection | Everbrite Coatings - Commercial