refinishing scratched aluminum reflector?

no matter how hard i try, i always end up with a fingerprint or smudge inside the reflector. how can i clean a reflector without scratching it? can it just be buffed out or do i need to just throw the damn thing away? i tried using soap and water to get the smudge off and then a clean, soft towel. i end up with small scratches every time. can a reflector be refinished? i've heard of buffing compound and a dremel or use of silverleaf.

Reflectors scratch easily, I wouldn't have done what you did. I take dust out with a soft brush.

But I have to say that I am curious how could someone clear a fingerprint without a scratch, there must be something.

i have clumsy hands. guess i'll have to just wear powder free latex gloves and use a lense cleaning brush when i have my flashlights apart. luckily, this was only a 3 dollar drop in i got from dx. i like op reflectors better anyway.

The only way I've ever seen to take a fingerprint off of a reflector without scratching it was with steam.

Most reflector coatings are far too fragile to use a contact method of cleaning, and all re-coating methods I've seen are greatly inferior to the original, delicate coating originally applied.