A polishing compound is used to enhance and restore the appearance of metal items or remove contamination, corrosion or oxidisation. The polishing compound consists of abrasive particles that are surrounded by a binder-carrier. The polish is selected according to the class of metal it is being used with, the harder the class of metal the harder the class of abrasive that is used. The polishing compound is then applied to the object using a buffing wheel.
Polishing compounds are used to produce a high lustre on metal objects or parts including vehicles, handrails and kitchenware and are also used in the manufacture of light reflectors. Polishing compounds are also used to remove oxidisation, prevent contamination of instruments and prevent corrosion in pipes.