Polish is a preparation that may be used on wood, metal, and other surfaces to produce a glossy finish. Most polishes are made of waxes mixed into liquid or salve. After the polish is spread over a surface and rubbed, the wax forms a protective coating, and the other material in the polish evaporates. Some polishes for metals remove tarnish. They act as cleaners as well as polishers. Some shoe polishes contain a dye that restores color.