Cleaning aluminum donor parts

[Scargo]

I think the less you cut it and the more you pound it the better. I am referring to the type of media you blast it with. It will be dull or duller if the media cuts and is abrasive. There are lots of degreasers to use but Acetone is the best "final" wipe before clearcoating. All this happening fast is better so the aluminum is exposed to oxygen the shortest time and oxidizes (dulls) less.
Tamra and Andrew's paint work on their parts looks great! A fine alternative. Clear, after all, is just another paint coating. If you paint it aluminum color you can first prime it (with a zinc chromate or similar primer for aluminum) and then the paint will bond better.