Various examples are provided for polishing techniques for flexible tubular workpieces. In one example, a method includes supporting a tubular workpiece on a rod that extends axially through it; positioning a turning wheel against an external surface of the tubular workpiece, where it is held by magnetic attraction; and rotating the tubular workpiece by rotating the turning wheel. The external surface of the tubular workpiece is polished by the abrasive particles during rotation of the tubular workpiece. In another example, a polishing system includes a workpiece holder including a rod configured to axially support a tubular workpiece; a turning wheel with abrasive particles distributed about an outer surface; a wheel support assembly configured to position the outer surface of the turning wheel against the an external surface of the tubular workpiece, where it is held by magnetic attraction. The external surface is polished during rotation of the tubular workpiece.