A system and method are disclosed for polishing and lubricating an aluminum welding wire. The system and method draw stock aluminum wire from a spool, subject the stock wire to a plurality of drawing and thermal treatment steps to obtain a wire having a final diameter suitable for use in a continuous welding apparatus. Immediately after the final drawing step, the wire is subjected to a polishing and lubricating process in which a cord that is impregnated with a lubricant is passed over the surface of the wire. The cord serves to remove contaminants, such as metal fines, from the surface of the wire, and also to provide a layer of lubricant over the surface of the wire. The resulting wire has an improved appearance, will not clog the automatic welding apparatus, and the lubricant will not contribute adversely to weld porosity in use.