This doesn't qualify as 'gunsmithing' exactly, but I thought it might be of interest to someone who has a similar situation. I recently bought a Ruger Single Six from a member here; it was in outstanding condition, but the black paint on the aluminum grip frame was all scratched up with aluminum showing through. I removed the grip frame and wet-sanded the paint off (thin paint, easy to do), working in stages up to 2000 grit and then finishing with Mothers aluminum polish and Renaissance wax. I used a small sanding block on the flat surfaces to preserve the edges. Turned out pretty good I think.
