How can I polish aluminum rods for a contemporary stair rail?

Of course I cannot see the rods to know what you would need to make them match. I'm thinking that a metal polishing setup would work, using a sisal wheel and polishing compound. Of course you would have to polish all of them to make them match. A polishing wheel setup would cost several hundred dollars and you would have to acquire the skills to make them match.

If you seek out a shop that does metal polishing for auto restorations they would have the skills and equipment necessary to make all of your balusters match.

Try Brasso cleaning product.

Hi Susan,

The first thing I would do is to call the place where you ordered them. Are they supposed to be rustic or have a brushed finish? If they are the wrong type the company should send you the right kind. If that doesn't work out, you could try polishing them. Click on the link below to see one way to do that. Wishing you the best.

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-and-polish-aluminum/

Thank you very much Linda. The first rods I got from the hardware section of Home Depo were a nice pristine brushed finish, and the remaining ones I just got were scratched and with black tarnish. The Home Depo guy said there was nothing to be done by try myself to polish. In fairness to them, I know they are not manufactured with the intent of being used for home decor. I fear my polish attempts will remove the nice brushed finish and start to shine them.

I just sent a message to a local metal manufacturing company to see if they can either manufacture new rods, or clean up and put a brushed finish on what I have. (I think our availability of materials to buy in Canada are likely much more limited than you would have available in NY. :)) If no luck from the metal company, I will try your link.

Thanks again! Susan