Scratches
 

is there a way to get minor scratches out of aluminum?

Use automotive rubbing compound and apply clear coat when finished to prevent oxidation.

It also depends on the original finish of the aluminum. If you use a rubbing compound or polish, the area that you apply it to might come out looking a lot brighter and different from the surrounding area. Then you end up having to polish the whole thing, and it just goes on from there...