Clean the surface of the metal of all dirt and sand particles with a soft cloth and degreasing cleaner.
Attach the buffing wheel to the sander. Place a small amount of the roughest polishing compound onto the cloth.
Buff the surface of the metal with the buffing wheel until the entire surface is slightly dulled and scratched.
Repeat the buffing process with finer and finer polishing compounds until the surface shines.
Place a small amount of metal polish onto a soft cloth. Use a polish designed to work with the metal you want to lighten.
Rub the polish onto the metal using circular motions. Allow the polish to sit on the metal for one to five minutes.
Wipe away the polish with a new soft cloth. Repeat the process until the metal lightens and shines.
Protect the metal surface from tarnishing by rubbing a small amount of Carnauba wax into the surface of the metal.