Re:
Nice looking frame.
This is a comprehensive answer that may help anyone reading this thread.
As H.B. says, you can indeed obtain very acceptable results using Scotchbrite hand pads.
If you want to remove the scratches which I can see in that first picture, then you will need to work hard using a series of course to fine grades. If the decals on your frame are thin transfers, you’ll struggle to get the same amount of elbow grease into each tube that results in the before and after shown below - look away H.B. :!:
However it looks like the “decals” are etched (would this be correct?) so you can still do this process to a certain extent; I managed to get a good finish on a pair of X-Lite Ti Bars, while still preserving the etched logos.
Once you start this, you need to stick at it, and believe me, it can become very tiring.
You may initially need to use Wire Wool on those deeper scratches, which seem to be on the underside of the Down Tube? – it’s difficult for me to figure it out!
Next, just sit down with a towel over your legs, and the frame on your lap, and pick a tube per session / evening…. unless you have arms like a tyre fitter.
Chose which direction you want the grain to go – the Bottom Bracket and the Head Tube can look odd with the grain travelling along the length of the tube, although some may think that the other tubes look odd with a length-wise gain.
Start with Scotchbrite Green, then when you’ve done the entire frame, move onto a Maroon pad, then Grey. I understand that there is a White Scotchbrite fine, but I finished mine off with some Farecla G3 rubbing compound, which is somewhat expensive. I would suggest wearing rubber gloves, or be prepared to have your finger prints looking like permanent tattoos for a while.
If this process seems like a lot of effort and you just want to bling it up a bit, then as I mentioned earlier, use Metal Polish wading.
Before – a shot outside in natural light:
97 King Kahuna Pre Buff by
Philip Mock, on Flickr
AND after – somewhat cheating with a flash indoors, but you get the idea:
97 King Kahuna Post Buff by
Philip Mock, on Flickr
Pip.