Removing Hairline Scratches on Equipment

I've tried similar ideas with a few pieces of equipment and it's been my experience that, while it may work well in a particular situation, the effort and risk involved haven't usually been worth it for me.

I wouldn't try the rubbing compound or scratch remover option unless you can remove the faceplace and all the knobs so that you can treat the whole front surface identically. Applying either to just the area of the scratch will almost inevitably make the area around the scratch look slightly different from the rest of the surface even if it does hide the scratch.

The whole surface will have become oxidized over time and polishing any part of it will return just that part to something like the original finish. It's very likely that you'll end up with something that looks worse than the scratches you've got now. If there is any lettering on surface you run the risk of affecting it, as well.

better still, unscrew a faceplate and treat the underside.

rubbing compound (used to buff cars) should work nicely. works well if you can use a high speed orbital sander (w/ buffing attachment) on the component, otherwise you'll likely need swirl remover for the microscratches the rubbing compound leaves behind.

rhyno

Try going to an auto supply store like Pep Boys and looking for something called Scratch Remover. Get in your color, if there is a choice. It's a paste-like compound. While you're there, think about picking up some auto body wax with light abrasives. There used to be something called Rubbing Compound No. 7.

Before going ahead with these on your faceplate, try them on an inconspicuous location, like a bottom edge, just to be sure there isn't any gross discoloration or unacceptable surface abrasion. Good luck.