Furniture polishes, different from furniture wax, can clean the surface of wooden furniture
and give it an attractive looking shine.
Furniture that has a dull, dried out appearance
can regain its luster. Polishes that are
sold as aerosol sprays and liquids are easy
to apply, so they tend to be the most available.
There are three main types of
polishes, and
each performs differently, so
if you are
thinking of buying a furniture
polish, consider
the following:
- Furniture oils are one type of polish, and
there are many different brands. Most are
made from petroleum based mineral oil combined
with mineral spirits or solvents made from
citrus products, such as lemon or orange,
that result in a more pleasant smell. Colored
oils will help hide scratches. Oils leave
an attractive looking slick, shiny surface
when they are applied. Until the oil has
thoroughly dried, however, it will attract
dirt and dust and can stain anything placed
on the furniture’s surface.
- Emulsion polishes are blends of water and
oil that contain petroleum
distillates. They
have a milky appearance when
first applied.
They are good for removing
grease and dirt
and will remove dust without
leaving an oily
finish. Emulsion polishes do
not provide
much shine.
- Silicone polishes result in a high, glossy
shine; so many of the best
selling polishes
include it in their ingredient
blends. This
attractive sleek surface provides
instant
gratification, but over time
the silicone
will build up. If you ever
want to refinish
your furniture, the silicone
residue will
prevent any new finish from
properly adhering
to the wooden surface.
Polishes will not prevent furniture from
drying out if it is placed in dry, heated
spaces. Drying can only be prevented if proper
humidity levels are maintained with the use
of humidifiers. Polishing neither makes furniture
surface’s waterproof, nor will it protect
it from damage due to the sun’s ultraviolet
rays. |
