Best technique for keeping aluminium patina?

[Brandis]

There's got to be a halfway point between looking new and looking shabby. 
Sorry to be asking all y'all these basic questions but I'm all alone out here.  I can't just hop over to see old Harry on Bumbleby-on-Twine and get him to show me.  I live in high polished Harleyland.
Thanking you in advance.

[groily]

I wipe with a soft rag and WD40 or equivalent. Stops the ali-maggots from eating the stuff, and (importantly!) doesn't take any effort

[RichardL]

As you can see, I'm going for the full-shabby look by allowing imperfections in the buffing. 

Richard L.