US2242261A - Cleaning and polishing composition - Google Patents

Description

Patented May 20, 1941 CLEANING AND POLISHING COMPOSITION Jacob Ratner, Brooklyn, N. Y.

No Drawing.

Application April 23, 1936,

Serial No. 76,079

7 Claims.

ihis invention relates to cleaning and polishing compositions of new and valuable properties, and particularly to cleaning and polishing compositions that may also be utilized as coating compositions, or to renew varnish and lacquer coatings.

In the. prior art various types of cleaning andtions of the prior art when these ingredients were used in combination were not effective to obtain the valuable properties that it is possible to obtain in these types of compositions.

The present invention is particularly directed to the production of cleaning and polishing and/or coating compositions that exploit to the greatest degree the valuable properties that may be derived by utilization of stated components in particular combinations of ingredients.

Other and valuable advantages will appear from the more detailed description given below, it being understood, however, that this more detailed description is given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, since various changes may be made therein in accordance with the principles set forth in the instant application, by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The features of invention in the present case can best be illustrated by the discussion of the properties derived from particular components utilized in such cleaning and polishing compositions, particularly when present in combination with other stated ingredients. So that in setting forth this invention below, a discussion of the valuable properties of stated components is set forth with components that should be utilized therein in order to bring out the particular properties desired in the compositions, while avoiding the addition at least to great extent of other substances that tend to militate against the properties desired in such cleaning and polishing com-- positions.

Considering first the drying oils including, for example, the vegetable drying oils such as tung, linseed, perilla, etc., it should be noted that .the drying oils when utilized in these cleaning and polishing compositions give most advantageous results when non-drying lubricating or paraffin oils or waxes are not present, at least to any great extent, whether or not a solid film-forming agent, such as cellulose derivatives, including the cellulose esters, resins, or metals are present.

Although the drying oils are considerably more expensive that the non-drying hydrocarbon oils referred to, the drying oils are far more advantageous in that they do not render the treated varnished or lacquered surface greasy, they do not require as much labor in wiping off the excess, they do notcollect dust after the wiping off and drying period, and they exhibit the property of forming a preservative film which is adherent, not only to the coatings on the treated surface, but also to metal surfaces for the purpose of preventing tarnish even without the aid of added solid substances. v

Cleaning and polishing compositions containing properly compounded drying oil materials may be' utilized to quickly refresh furniture in warehouses without even requiring a wiping off, and the film formed on metal surfaces from such compositions may also remain even after wiping 01f the residues from abrasive powders, to a sufficient extent to prevent tarnish for an extended period.

In order to secure these advantages and valuable properties of the drying oils in these cleaning and polishing compositions, high proportions of non-drying oils should be avoided; and further such substances as acetic acid or vinegar, butter of antimony, etc. should not be used to any great extent in such compositions, since they destroy valuable properties, and prevent the formation of a preservative film from the compositions. In addition it should be noted that such substances as vinegar cause cracking in the treated coating, while the non-drying oil renders the drying oil more greasy than even the non-drying oil alone would be in such compositions, since antagonistic mixtures are produced, which cause the treated coatings to continue sweating even after wiping off several times. Metallo components can desirably be utilized by first being colloided homogeneously with small quantities of desirable solid ingredients as later set forth, and in such combinations produce less greasy properties, and also form preservative films on the treated coatings. In the formation of preservative films on metal surfaces, the composition requires the presence of the adhesion and other properties secured by means of the drying oil, or the non-drying oil containing composition may be utilized when colloided homogeneously with the metal and the metal component is present in sufiicient quantity as later set forth.

The'utilization of liquid esters of the character employed as lacquer solvents is particularly advantageous in connection with the drying oil cleaning and polishing compositions, and among such esters there may be particularly noted the butyl, ethyl and amyl esters, such as butyl ethyl or amyl acetate. Such esters are much more desirably used than the ethers, motor ether, petroleum spirit, methylated spirit or oleic acid. One of the principal values in utilizing such esters with the drying oil compositions lies in the fact that they yield compositions that are suitable for repeated and rapid dressing of ornamental coatings, or for refreshing new furniture in stock without the aid of solid film-forming agents, the residue from which latter is not desired because they would accumulate on repeated use of such polishing compositions, and mask the grains of the woods, etc. because they readily dissolve the components desired in modern coating coatings which may carry such additional derivatives as cellulose esters, dissolved metals, exceptionally hard synthetic resins, etc. These esters given to the drying oil composition a pronounced capacity for penetration into ornamental coatings, preventing the latter from cracking, thus distinguishing from the spirit type compositions that have a tendency to produce cracking in such ornamental coatings. The penetrating property of compositions produced in accordance with the present invention gives compositions produced in accordance with this invention the inherent property of removing small scratches from the surface treated, without requiring any extensive rubbing in, and thus eliminate the reduction of the coatings to relatively thin coatings. In addition of course, labor is thus saved.

Because these esters are substantially slow in volatilization, they give to the oil containing compositions, the property of spreading freely and distributing widely on large areas of surface whereby the thinnest possible film is obtained, which may without wiping off or other treatment be permitted to remain and harden. These esters further reduce the fattiness of the oil, so that instead of obtaining a mere oiliness appearance, there is developed a delicate glossy non-visible film, which may be permitted to dry by itself. In view of the fact that these esters are mild in their action on other coatings, far more so than many of the other lacquer slvents, they can be utilized in any desired ratio, even up to as much as 33% of the polishing composition without danger of injury to the surface treated.

The non-volatile esters, such as the phthalates, including diethyl, dibutyl or diamyl phthalates, and the phosphates such as triphenyl and tricresyl phosphates, can be utilized in the compositions, but since they are not themselves self dry-,

ing, they are desirably utilized up to an amount not exceeding about 5%, in which proportions they do not interfere with the hardening of the compositions, and do not cause sweating which is caused by the utilization of the non-drying hydrocarbon type oils. The non-volatile character of such fixed esters utilized in a substantial ratio with a fixed oil, such as one of the drying oils, gives the composition a particularly valuable property of renewing cracked or scratched coatings, thus restoring the uniformity and transparency of the treated surface-the cracks virtually melting under the action of the slowly volatilizing or non-volatilizing lacquer solvents. The penetrating character and retention of these Such esters further are effective Cir non-volatile esters thus prevents cracking of the film.

The prior art types of components have entirely distinct types of properties which render them undesirable, at least in any substantial amount in the compositions. Thus methylated spirit disturbs the transparency of any of the fixed oils, and separates into a distinct layer. Motor ether and other petroleum spirits are not true lacquer solvents, and do not dissolve the fixed oils, but merely act as diluents. Motor ether and ethyl ether volatilize so rapidly that they disappear before the oil in the composition can penetrate, and before the composition can be distributed over any substantial area of the surface. Oleic acid cheapens the appearance of the treated surface, and also tends to produce cracking. All of such prior art materials deaden the appearance of the treated surface, they do not give satisfactory penetration to the compositions, and they must be used in limited and small ratios to avoid injury to the surfaces to be treated. Further the deleterious character of the fumes of ether, or of motor ether, must be noted, and such detrimental effects are not eliminated even when deodorizers are mixed with the compositions.

When solid film-forming agents are present in the polish, the perfecting of the coatings is less dependent on the particular effects of the esters, and in such instances any lacquer solvent if not too rapidly volatilizing and sufiiciently solvent in its action on the solid film-forming agent, may be utilized. But the best results with the drying oil containing compositions as set forth above are obtained by the utilization of the esters.

Diluents are desirably employed for enhancing the action of the esters in the drying oil containing compositions, and among such diluents there may be particularly emphasized carbon tetrachloride,.ethylene dichloride, and aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly those having a lower boiling point than turpentine, such as xylol or toluol. Light petroleum liquids can be utilized, but theyare not as desirable diluents as those mentioned immediately above, because the preferred diluents alleviate the fattiness of the oil in the composition, and also yield bleaching and blending properties without reducing the elasticity. These diluents are also preferable when solid film-forming agents are included in the polish since these diluents possess some solvent properties for such solid film-forming ingredients, and for other components of such coating compositions as have been mentioned above. And consequently in the presence of such diluents but smaller quantities of the direct lacquer solvents need be utilized in the composition, Carbon tetrachloride when used in the ratio of about 1 times as much as the ester, renders the composition non-inflammable. These valuable properties of the diluents are lost, however, when water or inorganic liquids, such as vinegar are added through which agents the lacquer solvents lose the penetration capacity and capability of removing scratches or blisters by friction as referred to above.

As an example of a composition that thus may be utilized in accordance with the present invention, the following is given:

Carbon tetrachloride, ethylene dichloride or xylol 40 even when present to an This type of composition is suitable for dressing rapidly ornamental household furniture, :for refreshing large stocks of new furniture in warehouses, for polished metal surfaces for preventing tarnish .for extended periods without collectingdust, .due .to the penetrability of the composition and its free .distribution over a large surface area rapidly to the formation of a very thin film layer. The composition also readily dissolves and removes grease and small scratches Without requiring extensive rubbing in, and thereby generates a non-visible but compact preservative film which is self glossy and may be self drying and resistant to moisture, because the solution is homogeneous, compatible, nongreasy, and free from moisture, acidity or petroleummatter. The nature of the composition is such that it may be applied as often as desired, such as weekly, or even daily without injury to the finest of furniture or other surface treated.

A second example of a composition produced in accordance with the present invention includes thefollowing Parts Non-volatilizin ester (i. e. ester of a polybasic acid) Drying oil Xylol, toluol, benzol or ethylene dichloride or Carbon tetrachloride (in lieu of the latter) 20 The composition given in Example 2 above is capable of restoring a totally cracked or scratched coating. The non-volatilizing ester extent of only about 5% of the composition prevents cracking or checking, and is more effective in this way than even a large proportion of non-drying oil, because it is more penetrating and does not cause sweating as does the non-drying oil even after several wiping off operations. Furthermore the non-volatile ester gives the resulting film flexibility and adhesion, and does not interfere with the formation of the film by the drying of the drying oil. In compositions for polishing purposes only, the non-volatile ester need be only from 5 to 10% of the composition.

It has been pointed out above that in utilizing the drying oil types of cleaning and polishing compositions, these should not be employed together with any substantial amounts drying hydrocarbon oils or waxes. However, in accordance with the disclosures of the present invention, one of the objects includes the production of cleaning and polishing compositions which contain the petroleum oils, or non-drying oils and waxes, and these are utilized in accordance with the present invention by colloiding them into homogeneous mixtures with small perceritages of a solid film-forming agent, or in combination with suitable solvents, but the inclusion in such compositions containing the petroleum liquids or non-drying oils or waxes, of the fixed drying oils is avoided, since to obtain the desired effect from the drying oil requires the use of such drying oil in substantial amounts, and this results in greasy compositions when in combination with the petroleum liquid non-drying oils and waxes.

The inclusion of solid organic substances into cleaning and polishing compositions requires particular considerations, as exemplified in the inclusion of such solid organic bodies as the cellulose esters, resins, whether natural or synthetic, organicmetallicderivatives, etc. Such solid subof the nonstances when incorporated into the cleaning and polishing .compositions must be either in colloidal condition .orin solution. While in coating compositions or plastic materials, such added solid substances need not be in solution and not even colloidized necessarily, and may exert some desirable effects, because the compositions are relatively thick, and the deposited layers are also rather thick, so that such added solids, as for example, japan drier, may have some effect in accelerating drying for example, even though they are not in solution or in colloidized condition, when we come to the cleaning and polishing compositions which are spread in a very thin film on the surface undergoing treatment, the solid organic substances in the composition can have an effect only if in solution or in colloided condition, since it is only in this way that they penetrate into the surface under treatment, and exhibit the necessary adherence in the composition for the surface treated. Further it is only in such condition that they can be uniformly spread without forming streaks, etc. In addition unless such added solid components are in solution in the cleaning and polishing compositions, they are not capable of uniform application by the applying cloth, or similar means of application to the surface undergoing treatment. And further, such solids which are not colloided are not in solution in the lighter vehicle of the polish composition per se, sooner or later forms a rather permanent sediment.

However, in accordance with the present invention, such complex ingredients can by the utilization of homogenizing solvents in accordance with the present invention be utilized in producing satisfactory compositions. The methods for colloiding or dissolving solid organic substances to produce satisfactory cleaningand polishing compositions are exemplified below.

Considering cellulose esters, such as nitrocellulose, it has been found that such cellulose esters which have been made \vet by'lengthy contact With liquids are more readily colloidized than when Celluloid or pyroxylin is dissolved for immediate use in a polishing composition.

The most desirably employed metallo organic derivatives are the pure metallic organic compounds derived by precipitation methods, and include the linoleates, oleates, stearates, butylphthalates and resinates, and particularly when they do not contain free metal, nor free rosin, gum, glue or gelatin. Such relatively pure metallic organic derivatives result in very desirable drying films even on metal surfaces when they are used in metal polishes even in conjunction with paraflin oil and abrasive powders-a retentive film being deposited, which remains even after the wiping oif operation. Such relatively pure metallic organic compounds, including the metallic driers referred to, thus markedly distinguish from inorganic metals dissolved in oleic acid or in liquid rosin, or japan driers, because first, the content of the latter type of materials in net metal is very small, and they can be used in only relatively small amounts with nondrying oils, because of their content of free metal, gum or rosin, due to which the usual lacquer solvents cannot colloid them with antagonistic liquids. Thus japan drier is not colloidized with lubricating oil, even by the admixture of ether or methylated spirits or even ethyl acetate.

Of the resins suitable for-polishing ornamental coatings and having the property of colloiding with parafiin oil, there may be mentioned the synthetic resins, especially the condensation products of polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol type, such as glyptal, the latter being particularly desirable since with even small percentages of from 5 to of such resins in the composition, a more compact, more delicate and less visible film of the composition is obtained, which also has the property of wide distributability over a large area of the surface treatedmore so than even other resins or drying oils. These resins are also particularly soluble in lacquer solvents, and are less antagonistic to petroleum ingredients.

The solid organic substances are more readily colloidized into the polishing composition when the latter does not contain the non-drying lubricity substances, such as lubricating or paraffin oil or waxes, the latter being very antagonistic to such solids, or when the compositions do not contain the light petroleum distillate, which although less antagonistic to the solid substances than the lubricating or parafiin oils or waxes, nevertheless have a tendency of throwing out solids, especially metal, when not a pure organic derivative, or when in combination with rosin or gum.

Exemplifying these features to Examples 1 and 2 given above, there may be added small quantities, such as an amount of about of cellulose derivative or 1% of organic metal drier or about 5% of resinous condensation product previously dissolved. For compositions that may have to stand for sometime before use it is desirable that such solid substances first be dissolved in individual solvents before being incorporated into the compositions, in which event double the mentioned quantities may be used.

In incorporating the several components, the cellulose ester or synthetic resin should first be dissolved in the lacquer solvents, and the other components, such as oil and diluent, added to the first obtained solution. The reverse procedure does not give satisfactory results particularly when the oil is non-drying. The metallic organic derivative should first be dissolved by a suitable lacquer solvent, either with or without a diluent liquid before being incorporated into the composition. The solvent used should not be so rapidly volatilizing as ether, since the composition should have penetrating properties for the above reasons. For maintaining solution of the substantially pure metallic drier, there should be about to of the lacquer solvent in the composition, while for the impure metal compounds there should be present not less than about 30 to 33% oflacquer solvent in the composition. The remaining added components should not cause precipitation or separation and should be suitable for polishing various kinds of surface finishes including the ornamental and sensitive coatings commonly employed on many articles of manufacture. Thus to such solution of metallic drier or cellulose ester in lacquer solvent the remaining components of the composition may be made up by the drying oil or diluent or diluting agent as given in Examples 1 and 2 above. The

, presence of the drying oil and stated diluent are desirable zecause this combination of ingredients are more colloidable with the solids, more capable of removing grease, and the composition yields a delicate preservative fihn of glossy characteristics, which may be left to harden without requiring wiping oif of the excess.

The following example illustrates these considerations:

A non-solvent consisting of 28 parts of a drying oil and 39 parts of carbon tetrachloride- 67 In lieu of the cellulose ester, there may be employed 2 to 3 parts of a metallic organic compound, such as those mentioned above; or from 4 to 8 parts of a synthetic resin, such as the glyptals mentioned above. In lieu of the 67 parts of non-solvent given in the example, there may be employed 70 parts of a non-solvent consisting of 30 parts of drying oil and 40 parts of xylol; or 74 parts of a non-solvent consisting of 30 parts of drying oil and 44 parts of ethylene dichloride. The drying oil may consist of a vegetable or animal oil or oil of turpentine.

Compositions produced under the example given immediately above are homogeneous colloids, even those containing more than twice as much of the non-solvent ingredient as of the lacquer solvent, and this becomes possible because the ingredients of the non-solvent are not antagonistic to any of the solids. The large ratio of non-solvent in the composition renders it non-injurious even for sensitive coatings on wood or leather, and its elasticity makes it adherent even on metal surfaces, so that after wiping off of excess, a film is left to prevent tarnish.

The introduction of the non-drying lubricating or paraffin oils into the cleaning and polishing compositions requires particular consideration, since first it is antagonistic to the solid organic components of such polishing compositions, and produces rather permanent sediments which cannot be redissolved in the composition even on shaking; second, its thick and greasy characteristics make it impractical for removing grease from coatings; and third, it requires so large a proportion of lacquer solvent, such as an amount equal to the amount of non-drying oil in the composition, that the composition thus contains so much solvent as to render it unsafe in the treatment of the finishes on various articles of manufacture.

However there are conditions which make the use of non-drying lubricating or paraffin oil utilizable in these polishing and coating compositions. Generally we may say for example, that the non-drying lubricating or paraffin oil may replace the drying oil in Example 3 given above, using however a lesser amount thereof. These general considerations are first, a nondrying oil should be added to the solution of the solid and not vice versa, because in the reverse operation the solid material in contact with the non-drying oil immediately separates from the solvent, and this is particularly true of the cellu-- lose esters; second, the non-drying oil should be used in conjunction with the diluting liquids or diluents given in the examples set forth above, or at least should be employed with a light petroleum liquid, because it is then less antagonistic to the solid organic components, including the cellulose esters, and this enables the general ratio of the petroleum components of the composition to be in larger ratio than even the amount of the lacquer solvent present; and third the parafl'in oil or similar constituent should be the last component added to the solution of the other components, and such addition of the paraflin oil should be gradual in order that the separation of the solid components shouldbe largely avoided. By using a major amount of the light liquid with the non-drying'oil in only a minor ratio, the sum of such ingredients may amount to double the actual solvent present in'the composition. Some 'of the limitations entailed are recognized from ent or diluting agent therein, and added after the other components have been incorporated together in the same manner as described above for the non-drying oil.

Colloidization in the compositions of a nond'rying oil or wax may best be obtained with avoidance of permanent sediments by the use of composite solvents, containing 2 or 3 or more components of lower and higher boiling points. Such composite solvents, even give the petroleum liquids greater affinity for the solid components than does a single solvent. The composite solvent may consist for example of 2 direct lacquer solvents, as for example ethyl acetate with butyl acetate, or of one of the non-volatilizing and non-inflammable esters of a polybasic acid, such as diethyl, dibutyl, diamyl phthalate, or triphenyl or tricresyl phosphates with an alcohol, such as ethyl or butyl alcohol; and these esters are more elfective on the solids component while the alcohols are more efliective on the petroleum liquid because of the presence of the esters.

The compo-site solvent employed need not consist exclusively of two direct lacquer solvents. One only direct lacquer solvent may be employed, and the other component of the composite solvent may be any liquid that has some solvent properties for cellulose es'ters, such as for example, an essential oil, nitrobenzene, paracymene, ethylene dichloride, or the aromatic hydrocarbons with a boiling point lower than turpentine, such as xylol, to-luol, and even benzol. Such liquids are milder in strength than the direct lacquer solvents, and consequently enable the composite solvent to be employed in a proportion of more than 33% of the composition without causing injury to the coatings treated, since by their use the amount of direct lacquer solvent employed may be reduced 4 about 60% in the composite solvent which may be from '7 to 15% of the total composition. This also results in a material reduction in cost. The composite solvent is further advantageous in enabling other ingredients to be employed, for instance amyl acetate and the lacquer solvents may be employed, which are ordinarily disagreeable in odor, especially in the presence of petroleum materials, but by the inclusion of an aromatic essential oil, parasyme, nitrobenzene, or even by the aid of ethylene dichloride, the disagreeable odor is eliminated. Further these composite solvents make the compositions less inflammable or actually non-inflammable by using carbon tetrachloride in amount of only 1 times the quantity of inflammable components present.

Illustrating these features, the following example is given:

Parts A cellulose ester An ester of a polybasic acid 25 Butyl alcohol or any acetate ester 13 Carbon tetrachloride 33 Petroleum naphtha 10 Paraffin oil In lieu of the cellulose ester 1 /2 parts of a metallic organic compound or 5 parts of a synthetic resin, including for example, Bakelite, may be employed. Instead of the ester of the polybasic acid, an organic liquid'hydrogenated compound, such as hexaline or hydroterpine may be employed, such hydrogenated organic liquid compounds being particularly useful since they are practically non-inilarmnable, and are suitable solvents for certain materials, such as Bakelite.

Compositions produced in accordance with the example given immediately above are not inflammable, are homogeneous and penetrating, and

therefore are suitable for restoring scratched or cracked spirit type coatings, after wiping off any excess a preservative film is left which penetrates and is capable of drying.

By the'term lubricity agent is to be understood substances like the drying oils and their fatty acids which provide a smooth, slippery medium.

Having thus set forth my invention, I claim:

1. A polishing composition for use on surfaces carrying cellulose ester coatings to prevent cracking of said coatings and to remove grease and scratches therefrom, said composition containing a solid film-forming agent selected from the group consisting of a cellulose ester and a polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol type resin in an amount not exceeding 5%, a volatile cellulose ester solvent in an amount insufficient to injure the cellulose ester coating, a lubricity agent selected from the group consisting of glyceride oils and fatty acids of glyceride oils, and a diluting agent selected from the group consisting of liquid chlorinated hydrocarbons and light liquid hydrocarbons.

2. A polishing composition for use on surfaces carrying cellulose ester coatings to prevent cracking of said coatings and to remove grease and scratches therefrom, said composition containing a solid film-forming agent selected from the group consisting of a cellulose ester and a polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol type resin in an amount not exceeding 5%, a volatile cellulose ester solvent in an amount insufiicient to injure the cellulose ester coating, a non-volatile ester in an amount not exceeding 5%, a lubricity agent selected from the group consisting of glyceride oils and fatty acids of glyceride oils, and a diluting agent selected from the group consisting of liquid chlorinated hydrocarbons and light liquid hydrocarbons.

3. A polishing composition for use on surfaces carrying cellulose ester coatings to prevent cracki ing of said coatings and to remove grease and scratches therefrom, said composition containing a solid film-forming agent selected from the group consisting of a cellulose ester and a polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol type resin in an amount not exceeding 5%, a volatile cellulose ester solvent in an amount insufficient to injure the cellulose est-er coating, a drying oil as a lubricity agent not exceeding double the quantity of the cellulose ester solvent present, and a diluting agent selected from the group consisting of liquid chlorinated hydrocarbons and light liquid hydrocarbons.

4. A polishing composition for use on surfaces carrying cellulose ester coatings to prevent cracking of said coatings and to remove grease and scratches therefrom, said composition containing a cellulose ester in an amount not exceeding 5%, a volatile cellulose ester solvent in an amount insufficient to injure the cellulose ester coating, a diluting agent selected from the group consisting of the chlorinated hydrocarbons, ethylene dichloride, carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene, perchlorethylene, ortho dichlor-benzene, and chloroform; and a drying oil as a lubricity agent.

5. A polishing composition for use on surfaces carrying cellulose ester coatings to prevent cracking of said coatings and to remove grease and scratches therefrom, said composition containing a cellulose ester in an-amount not exceeding 5%, a composite cellulose ester solvent containing components of lower and higher boiling points, said composite solvent being present in an amount insufficient to injure the cellulose ester coating, a vegetable oil as a lubricity agent, and light liquid petroleum hydrocarbons as a diluting agent.

6. A polishing composition for use on surfaces carrying cellulose ester coatings to prevent cracking of said coatings and to remove grease and scratches therefrom, said composition containing a solid film-forming agent selected from the group consisting of a cellulose ester and a polybasic acid-polyhydric alcohol type resin in an amount not exceeding 5%, a glycol ether solvent for the film-forming agent in an amount insufficient to injure the cellulose ester coating, a lubricity agent selected from the group consisting of glyceride oils and fatty acids of glyceride oils, and a liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon as a diluent.

7. A polishing composition for use on surfaces carrying cellulose ester coatings to prevent cracking of said coatings and to remove grease and scratches therefrom, said composition containing 1 part cellulose ester, 33 parts of butyl acetate, 28 parts of drying oil and 39 parts of carbon tetrachloride.

JACOB RATNER.