1. Natural Polishes (Traditional Finishes)
a. French Polish
- Base: Shellac dissolved in alcohol
- Finish: High gloss, rich tone, classic antique look
- Use: Traditional furniture, musical instruments, antique restoration
- Note: Requires skilled hand-rubbing and multiple coats
b. Wax Polish
- Base: Beeswax or carnauba wax
- Finish: Soft sheen, natural touch
- Use: Solid wood furniture, vintage or rustic look
- Note: Low protection — needs regular reapplication
c. Oil Polish
- Types: Linseed oil, Tung oil, Danish oil, Teak oil
- Finish: Satin / natural matte
- Use: Enhances grain; ideal for indoor furniture, carvings
- Note: Deep penetration but not waterproof
2. Synthetic / Modern Polishes
a. Melamine Polish
- Base: Synthetic resin (Melamine-based)
- Finish: Gloss, semi-gloss, or matte
- Use: Indoor furniture, doors, panels
- Features: Durable, scratch-resistant, water-resistant
- Note: Applied by spray gun — professional use
b. PU Polish (Polyurethane Polish)
- Types: Glossy, Matt, Satin, High Gloss
- Finish: Smooth, modern, premium look
- Use: High-end furniture, wardrobes, modular kitchens
- Features: Highly durable, water and UV resistant
- Note: Available in solvent-based and water-based forms
c. Polyester Polish
- Finish: Very high gloss (mirror-like)
- Use: Luxury furniture, dining tables, showroom display units
- Features: Extremely hard, durable, and glossy
- Note: Requires spray equipment and skilled application
d. Acrylic Polish
- Finish: Ultra-clear, high gloss
- Use: Light-colored wood, MDF, modern furniture
- Features: Non-yellowing, UV stable, premium finish
- Note: More expensive than PU but gives a crystal-clear look
3. Stain & Color Enhancers
a. Wood Stain Polish
- Base: Solvent or water
- Finish: Enhances or changes wood color before top coat
- Use: Teak, walnut, mahogany, rosewood shades
- Note: Must be sealed with Melamine, PU, or Wax polish
b. Water-Based Polish
- Finish: Matte or semi-gloss
- Use: Eco-friendly interiors, children’s furniture
- Features: Low odor, quick drying, non-toxic
4. Specialized / Industrial Finishes
a. Nitrocellulose (NC) Polish
- Finish: Smooth, semi-gloss or matte
- Use: Interior furniture, commercial products
- Features: Fast drying, affordable, easy to apply
- Note: Not as durable as PU or Melamine
b. UV-Cured Polish
- Finish: High-gloss, ultra-durable
- Use: Modular furniture, kitchen shutters, flooring
- Features: Cured instantly by UV light — factory finish only
c. Epoxy Polish
- Finish: Thick, glossy, clear coat
- Use: Tables, countertops, resin art
- Features: Excellent chemical and scratch resistance
5. Combination Polishes (Layered Finishing)
Professionals often combine different polishes for best results:
- Stain + Sealer + Melamine / PU
- Stain + French Polish + Wax Top
- Oil + Wax Finish
🔹 Summary Table
TypeFinishDurabilityBest For French Polish High Gloss Medium Antique / Classic Furniture Wax Polish Matte / Low Gloss Low Rustic / Vintage Look Oil Polish Satin / Matte Medium Natural Wood Finish Melamine Gloss / Matte High Indoor Furniture PU Polish Gloss / Matte Very High Premium Interiors Polyester Mirror Gloss Very High Luxury Furniture Acrylic Ultra Gloss Very High Light-Colored Woods NC Polish Matte / Semi-Gloss Medium Budget Interiors Water-Based Matte / Gloss Medium Eco-Friendly Interiors Epoxy High Gloss Very High Tabletops, Art Pieces