Q: I have gotten some bits of steel rod in varying sizes, and although the larger diameter rods are shiny, I think the thinner ones could use some buffing or something. What can I do to make these steel rods become more shiny? Idea is to use them for the shiny metal part of landing gear on models.

It sort of looks like the smaller, non shiny rods have more noticeable turn pattern, if only very subtle. They do seem rounded, but not shiny.