alloy wheels

I decided to polish up my front wheel (America 2008, 12 spoke cast alloy), and after a week and a dozen various flap wheels and all my finger ends being trashed, I ended up putting it back in with only the rims and hub looking anything like I wanted. I'd assumed that it was clear coat on the alloy, but I'm beginning to think that it might be powder coat. Around the inside of the spokes the 'good' coating is impossible to get off. Nitromores won't touch it at all and anything stronger is banned in the EU. The profile of the spokes makes abrasives difficult to use. So, if anybody has succeeded in making the wheels look decent I'd appreciate the information.

 

Thanks for that Chrispy. I toyed with the idea of having it bead blasted but not cheap for an uncertain finish. Good to hear from someone who has had same problem. I know it's not 'original' but chrome powder-coat might be an idea ?? I know it's not high gloss but I saw some car wheels that had been done and they looked great.