Abstract

Polishes beautify and protect by coating or refinishing surfaces. Some also clean. Replacing natural waxes with synthetic polymers has improved quality, durability, and convenience. Furniture polishes include liquid or paste solvent waxes, clear or emulsion oils, emulsion waxes, sprays, and impregnated wipes. Each has cleaning, gloss, or durability advantages. Household floor polish trends stress convenience; institutional floor polish trends stress labor reduction through durability or speed. Ingredients include film formers, waxes for repairability, zinc oxide for hardness and removability, and additives for control of leveling or film forming. Some treatments for stone floors modify chemically rather than coat. Car polishes add gloss and remove soil or oxidized paint. Film agents, waxes, or silicones may provide detergent resistance or hide scratches. Industrial metal polishes use abrasives to make surfaces smooth and reflective, and household polishes control tarnish and clean. Gloss and protection are provided by shoe polishes, which are either self-polishing liquids, emulsion creams, or solvent pastes that differ from paste furniture polishes in dye and wax content. Shoe creams are emulsions of waxes, solvents, and water. Health, safety, and environmental issues include toxicity, slipperiness, and volatile organic compound levels.