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@Max
Most modern stuff whether it is black or even silver is anodized which cannot be polished - you need to strip the anodizing off first to get to the bare aluminium. A strong alkali like caustic soda is used to dissolve the anodizing. Take care though - nasty stuff, protect your eyes especially.
For polishing a proper bench polisher is obviously easier but you can do it by hand - eBay search for 'Belgom Alu'.
Spec' levers like many bike bits are shot-peened too which makes it a bit more faff to cut back and get an even shine.