Go to your local Pep Boys or auto paint supply store and get yourself a nice range of wet/dry sandpaper. I wouldn't get anything heavier than 220 grit, and you should be able to find everything up to 2000 grit. As far as a good polish goes, I have had good luck with Ebonite factory finish polish. To apply the polish and cleaning agents, I highly recommend the blue shop towels that come on a roll. They are just like paper towels, but are much thicker and will not tear instantly when they get product on them. A good deep cleaner is Neo Tac Hook-it. I have also heard a lot of good things about Track's Clean n Dull. If you are looking for something a little more economical to get started, Simple Green is a very good degreaser. I use it full strength, but I know others dilute it. If you find you want to get more into it, I would recommend a CAB block, although it is not necessary. The Albralon<spell check> pads are supposed to be excellent, and last a lot longer than regular sandpaper.
When sanding or polishing, I would use the 6 sided method. Put the ball in with the finger and thumb holes facing up towards you. Next would be to flip it over 180 degrees. Next is with the center of your grip facing you(you will be looking down on the finger holes, and won't see the thumb). Next is flipping the ball 180 degrees away from you(center of grip facing away, will only be able to see thumb). The last 2 sides I'm sure you can figure out. It's much easier to show someone than to describe it, but just think of the ball as a 6 sided cube. You don't need to put massive pressure on the sandpaper. Keep a spray bottle filled with water, and spray the ball as you are sanding it. Just go up and down, it's really easy. You will also want a tub to put it in to prevent splatter. I know others here have found some at Lowe's or Home Depot that work great.
That's all I can think of now. I probably made it sound a lot more complicated than it really is. You will figure it out right away. It is a very nice thing to have around.
Don
