Having tried what you would like to do (polishing, re-surfacing, sanding, etc) without a spinner, I can tell you that, with respect to the difference in both the effort required and the results obtained, there is no comparison whatsoever. A spinner is essential. I had spent hours trying to just change the surface of a solid resin and a solid urethane; then I spent more hours trying to polish a ball. Compared to a spinner, the results were pathetic.

With a spinner, the above operations take from 2 - 8 minutes tops. I really meant hours and hours above.

There are a few liquids that you can use by hand, IF, and only if, the ball's surace is near to where you want be. Ebonite's Matte finish will take a ball's surface to 1200 grit, BUT only if you are already around 800 - 1000 grit already. Actually the same is true when using a spinner. Track's Cleam and Smooth takes a ball to 1500 grit, IF the ball starts either at 1200 grit or 2000 grit.

Track's Delayed Reaction can be applied to a dull ball to add a light shine and reduce the backend hook and add alittle length.

Some polishes, notably the ones with abrasive of grit in them (like Storm's Xtra Shine), can be applied by hand, but, again, the results will be NOTHING comapred to what can VERY EASILY be achieved with a spinner.

I sincerely suggest NOT buying that next premium ball and save the money for a spinner. It can be an invaluable aid.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Some of the other surface adjustment products designed for use w/out a spinner are those made by Neo-Tac.  Outside of the liquid sandpaper, these products don't change the surface grit of the ball, but will clean, polish, delay reaction, and/or increase reaction.  I have used all of them before and had very good results.

S^2
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Joe Theismann's MNF idiot quote of the week:
"Rex Grossman is becoming the player that Lovie Smith thought he was when Smith drafted him."