I have been reading on the internet how to polish things like the valve cover, ITB, nitrous bottle, and many other things under the hood. However, since I am new at this I am trying to learn the proper way. First of all once you've polished something and have it in it's final condition, How long will it last? Can some sort of a clear coat be added after the polishing process is complete? I'm gonna go to a junk yard and see if I can get a really cheap valve cover off of something to try it out first. Also, how do YOU polish? I have read about 8 articles online and have seen 8 different methods.... How is the mirror like shine achieved on a nitrous bottle? I also want to find a way to keep that shine for years to come (clear coat, gloss??) Any information would be extremely helpful.

Below are some of the links I came across explaining the method......
http://www.geocities.com/n_dahi/valve_cover/cover.htm
http://www.londonautoclub.org/html/...valve_cover.htm
http://www.se-r.net/engine/polishing_valve_cover.html

it is pretty much self explained in the first link... that is the way i'm doing it...

2006 WW IX MR
2003 BBY EVO VIII (sold)
256.9WHP & 277.9torque
http://s90395832.onlinehome.us/forum//index.php?sid=a70942a7f65043e6c873e12dcd300692

1998 Eclipse RS --show car--

A dremel or other high speed rotory tool w/ bits and polish compound designed for polishing does a better job. (This is how you can get a mirror finish)

Joel Baldridge, ASE Certified Master Technician, Audi Certified Expert Technician