Simichrome is the stuff! I have used it for years.
It works the best for high luster when used with pure cotton. Note. most cotton balls are not cotton. I use first aid pads.

As far as buffing aluminium you can use bobbing compund from Gesswien on a wheel and get very close to simichrome. Much brighter than any of the other rouges and it sticks to the wheel very good.