There is a lot you can do to altar the finish, a sandblasting will give a non-glare, dull look.
Glass beading gives a nice satiny in-between look.
Masking off certain parts when doing either, give a contrasting look.
A 3M pad taken to a slide or frame and only used back and forth gives a brushed finish.
Of course the weapon is stripped down for any blasting operation...then really cleaned to get the sand out.
My SS Colt series '80 went through several changes in it's life, starting with a high polish.
Late in it's life it looked like a compact from so many make overs! [;)]
That was not a stupid question, btw.