getting brushed aluminum look?

my car came with american racing aero wheels, somewhat like the tourqe thrusts but slightly different styling. originally they were supposed to have a nice clean aluminum polish finish and when i got the car the polish was nearly gone. anyways, is there a way i can obtain a clean brushed aluminum look to them? i've heard of using sandpaper, but is there a method and/or grit to use to avoid some sort of whack job?

use a scotch brite pad,it wont sand the aluminum off.

is that all i need? or do i need something else to achieve the lines you see in brushed aluminum?

Use either a grey or red scotch pad, both will give that 'brushed' look