Polishes : Cleaning Agents

Polishes serve a dual function of enhancing the surface sheen and providing a protective layer to the surfaces they are applied to. Depending on the surface to be polished, the composition of these polishes varies. In this detailed guide, we will discuss the types of polishes, their compositions, and important points to keep in mind while using them.

I. Metal Polish

Metal polishes are designed to remove tarnishes that result from the attack on the metal by certain compounds in the air. They serve as fine abrasives that, when rubbed on the surface of the metal, provide friction to remove the tarnish and produce a shine. In many proprietary metal polishes like Brasso and Silvo, the abrasive powder is mixed with a grease solvent and in some cases, an acid, to aid in tarnish removal. A fine abrasive known as Jeweler’s rouge, or chemically as Iron Oxide, is used by jewelers to give a finishing touch to gold jewelry.

Key Points to Remember when Using Metal Polish:

1. Protect yourself and the surroundings with paper.
2. Ensure you work in a well-ventilated area.
3. Use only on appropriate metals.
4. Always clean the metal surface before applying polish.
5. Use a rag to apply polish.
6. Buff to shine with a duster.
7. After polishing, any article to be used with food should be cleaned with detergents.
8. Avoid constant use of tarnish remover (Silver Dip) on EPNS as it damages silver plating.
9. Dispose of rags after use as they can increase the risk of fire

II. Furniture and Floor Polishes

Furniture and floor polishes provide a thin layer of wax or resin to the surface, which protects against the absorption of spillage and gives a smooth surface from which light may be reflected to give a sheen.

A good polish should:

1. Give a hard, dry finish to ensure maximum protection.
2. Provide an easily cleaned surface.
3. Not mark easily.
4. Reduce the cost of cleaning and maintenance.
5. Have no unpleasant smell.

Furniture Polish

Furniture polish should only be used occasionally. Unvarnished or unpainted furniture may require frequent feeding with a polish. It should be applied to a clean surface only and can be in the form of a paste, cream, liquid, or spray. They contain wax (to enrich porous surface), solvent (to remove grease), water (to remove water-soluble stains), and silicone (to lubricate the polish and provide resistance to water, heat, dust, and smears).

Types of Furniture Polishes:

1. Paste (High percentage wax): Suitable for antique wooden surfaces. Care should be taken to remove all traces of polish from carved surfaces. Pastes are applied with a rag and then buffed with a duster. It may give a sticky finish if applied in excess.
2. Cream (High percentage solvent): To be used on satin or gloss finishes only as they increase the sheen on a surface with continual use. Apply with a damp rag and buff with a duster immediately.
3. Liquid (High Percentage solvent): May contain a dye, which is useful for covering up scratches on a varnished surface. Used on glossy surfaces, they help remove light grease marks.
4. Sprays/ aerosol (High percentage silicone): These polishes clean and as well as polish. Used on nonporous surfaces like glass, plastic, gloss painted wood, etc. Spray polish is applied & rubbed with a duster or maybe sprayed directly.

Tips for Using Furniture Polish:

• Apply to a clean surface.
• Use a little and apply with a duster. Too much polish will create a sticky surface which is likely to attract dust.
• Applied with a rag (except spray polish).
• Replace the top of the polish container so that the polish does not dry.
• All furniture polishes are used undiluted.
• Polishes containing a high percentage of solvent are flammable

Floor Polishes

Floor polishes can be either solvent-based or water-based.

Solvent-based or Spirit-based Floor Polish

This type of polish may be in the form of a liquid or paste and consists of a blend of waxes dispersed in a solvent. After it has been applied, the solvent evaporates, leaving a layer of wax which is buffed. A floor treated with solvent-based polish may dull quickly but will withstand frequent buffing up to restore shine. It is used on porous floors such as wood, cork, magnesite, linoleum, etc. The polish can be removed by using solvent-based detergents and a nylon web pad under the machine which helps to loosen the wax. The loosened wax should be picked up with a mop or wet vacuum pickup.

Water-based Floor Polish

This type of polish is in the form of a creamy liquid and consists of a blend of waxes or resins suspended in water by means of emulsifying agents. When applied to a floor surface, the water will evaporate leaving a hard film. Some floor polish may contain anti-slip ingredients (colloidal silicon). This polish dries with a shine and may require only little buffing. It is also referred to as dry-bright polish. They are applied on semi-porous and plastic floors like rubber, vinyl, etc. The disadvantage of using this polish is that it has very little cleaning power.

Points to Remember when Using Floor Polish:

• Apply to a clean floor.
• Apply to a dry floor.
• Rinse the floor thoroughly after stripping off old polish using a mild acid.
• Apply several thin coats of polish rather than one thick coat.
• Allow each coat of polish to dry before applying the next.
• Ventilate the area.
• Use warning signs.
• Buff up thoroughly.
• Do not use water-based polish on a porous floor.
• Do not use solvent-based polish on a plastic or semi-porous floor.
• Remove any build-up of polish with a suitable polish remover and an abrasive pad or disc.
• Damp-mop floor after spray cleaning to remove any residue.
• Clean all equipment after use and store correctly.

In conclusion, understanding the nature of polishes and their appropriate usage can help in maintaining and enhancing the sheen and longevity of various surfaces. Whether it’s for metals, furniture, or floors, each polish type serves a unique purpose that contributes to the overall aesthetics and protection of the surface it’s applied to.