Kiiltoaine

Kiiltoaine is a polishing agent or polishing compound used to create a glossy finish on various surfaces. The term comes from the Finnish kiilto, meaning gloss or shine, and aine, meaning substance. In practice kiiltoaine can refer to pastes, creams, or liquids designed for surface finishing, and may be formulated for different materials and levels of gloss.

Typical kiiltoaine formulations include abrasive pastes containing fine polishing particles such as aluminum oxide, silica, or ceria, often suspended in a binder, oil, or solvent. Non-abrasive kiiltoaine may consist of waxes, oils, or polishing liquids that help achieve luster and smoothness without removing material. The exact composition depends on the intended application, whether metal, glass, wood, or plastic surfaces are being treated.

Applications and use: Kiiltoaine is applied with a soft cloth, felt wheel, or polishing pad and worked into the surface to reduce micro-scratches and even out surface texture, followed by buffing to achieve a reflective finish. The choice of kiiltoaine depends on the material and the desired finish, with specialized formulas available for jewelry, metal hardware, automotive detailing, glass, and woodworking.

Safety and handling: Users should follow manufacturer instructions, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and ensure proper ventilation when working with solvent- or wax-based formulations. Residues should be cleaned from tools and surfaces after treatment.

See also: Polishing, Buffing, Abrasives, Car detailing.