Sanding an Aluminum Frame
I bought a cheap aluminum frame that was sanded down to the bare aluminum. The sanding job was rough, so I took a 600 grade sand paper to smooth it down a little more. That got it a bit smoother. I don't intend to paint it.
I have 3 questions:
1) First, what is the best way to get the surface as smooth as possible? Like polished aluminum, that I can do myself, without investing a bunch of money?
2) If I get it polished nicely, will it be easy to scratch and all be for nothing if I don't cover it with some kind of clear coat?
3) If a clear coat is necessary, what is the best recommendation for a clear coat I can get at my local hardware store I can apply myself?
It is only going to be a commuter bike, so it doesn't have to look too rad. But, it be nice if it didn't look too ghetto either.