A customisable polishing kit and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an abrasive free base composition and its use to prepare customisable polishing compositions. The abrasive free base composition is a two-phase oil-in- water emulsion comprising mixing a non-aqueous component including a non-aqueous solvent and co-emulsifying agent into an aqueous component including a thickening agent and an emollient ester mixed into an aqueous solution. A quantity of abrasive particles of a selected grit-range can be added into the abrasive free base composition to obtain a customisable polishing composition having a desired grit-range.

Description

A CUSTOMISABLE POLISHING KIT AND METHOD OF USE THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a customisable polishing kit, including an abrasive free base composition, and method of use thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] Auto detailing keeps a vehicle in its best possible cosmetic condition. The activity includes polishing the exterior of a vehicle to its original, or near, blemish free finish.

[0003] When polishing, it is common for a variety of polishes to be applied having various abrasive, or grit, grades, so as to at least partially abrade a surface, remove adherent films, and reduce irregularities or defects, such as, e.g., scratches.

[0004] Polishing compositions are generally provided in a variety of abrasive, or grit, grades, each having a fixed amount of cut and / or finish quality.

[0005] A problem in general with the current practice is that car detailers typically require numerous polishing compositions of different grit grades to enable them to complete their work across a range of paint conditions. This is mainly due to varying paint quality across vehicle manufacturers and the unpredictable condition of each vehicle’s paint. Indeed, it is common for detailers to need to use multiple polishing compositions on the same vehicle. For example, it may be necessary to use a coarser abrasive polishing composition on lower areas of a vehicle to assist in removing dirt films and finer abrasive polishing compositions on upper areas of the vehicle, where there may be increased porosity resulting from sun damage.

[0006] To combat the above problem most car detailer stock a variety of different polishing compositions. However, a subsequent problem is that some of the compositions may be unused for significant lengths of time. Such periods of non-use may result in sedimentation of the composition as the abrasive particles settle out of solution. In turn, sedimentation may result in the formation of agglomerate cakes, which may detract from the efficiency of the composition, if not render it useless.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide an abrasive free base composition, a customisable polishing composition kit and methods of making and using the same, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abrasive free base composition for, or when used for, making a customised polishing composition, said base composition including by weight %: between about 0.1% to about 2.5% thickening agent; between about 5% to about 20% of an emollient ester; between about 5% to about 30% of a non-aqueous solvent; and between about 0.1% to about 5% of a co-emulsifying agent.

[0010] Suitably, the composition is substantially free of any abrasive agent.

[0011] Suitably, the composition further includes an organic solvent.

[0012] Suitably, the composition has low viscosity thereby facilitating the addition of abrasive particles while still effectively suspending any abrasive particles added.

[0013] Suitably, the composition is a liquid composition, preferably an emulsion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the emulsion is a two-phase oil-in-water emulsion comprising a non-aqueous component mixed into an aqueous component.

[0015] In other embodiments, the emulsion is a two-phase water-in-oil emulsion comprising an aqueous component mixed into a non-aqueous component.

[0016] The aqueous component may include the thickening agent, the emollient ester and water.

[0017] The non-aqueous component may include the non-aqueous solvent, the coemulsifying agent and optionally the organic solvent.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making an abrasive free base composition, said method including: mixing between 0.1 wt% to about 2.5wt% of a thickening agent and between about 5wt% to about 20wt% of an emollient ester with an aqueous solution to obtain an aqueous component;mixing between about 5wt% to about 30wt% of a non-aqueous solvent with between about 0.1 wt% to about 5wt% of a co-emulsifying agent to obtain a non-aqueous component; and mixing the non-aqueous component with the aqueous component to obtain the abrasive free base composition.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abrasive free composition when made according to the method of the second aspect.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a customisable polishing composition kit including: an abrasive free base composition according to the first or third aspects; and a plurality of abrasive particles categorised according to grit-range for addition to the abrasive free base composition to provide a polishing composition having a desired grit-range.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of formulating a customised polishing composition including: selecting abrasive particles according to a desired grit-range; adding a quantity of the abrasive particles selected to an abrasive free base composition according to the first or third aspects to obtain a customised polishing composition; and mixing the customised polishing composition such that the quantity of abrasive particles added is uniformly dispersed in the composition.

[0022] Advantageously, the present invention provides an abrasive free base composition to which abrasive particles may be added to create a polishing composition that is customised to the surface being polished. Moreover, the abrasive free base composition may be provided as part of a kit with a plurality of abrasive particles of different grit grades and types such that a plurality of customised polishing compositions having varied grit grades may be created using a single abrasive free base composition. Advantageously, this may reduce the number of polishing compositions required to effectively undertake polishing and therefore obviate infrequently used polishing compositions and the subsequent spoilage of such compositions.

[0023] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0024] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0026] Figure 1 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of making an abrasive free base composition according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of formulating a customised polishing composition according to an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention is at least partly predicated on the discovery of a low viscosity base composition to which an end user may add a quantity of abrasive particles to obtain a polishing composition of a desired grit grade. The present invention is also at least partly predicated on the discovery that the thickening agent in the base composition is sufficient to suspend any abrasive particles added.

[0029] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0030] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Also, all publications, patent application, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. Unless otherwise indicated, percentages used to express amounts of ingredients are percentage by weight (i.e., %(W / W). Similarly, weight ratios used to express relative proportions of ingredients are also determined using percentage of weight (i.e., weight ratios are calculated by dividing the percentage of weight of one ingredient by another). Unless stated otherwise, all ranges are inclusive of the endpoints, e.g., “from 4 to 9” includes the endpoints 4 and 9.

[0031] As used herein, the term “polishing” may include any form of treatment on a surface to be polished, whether directly or indirectly. For example, polishing may refer to application of a polishing composition to a surface to be polished with a bluff, disk, brush, cloth or hand. Alternatively, polishing may refer to chemical polishing or chemical mechanical polishing.

[0032] As used herein, the term “surface” may include any surface upon which polishing may be undertaken. Typically, the surface may be sealed. The surface may include natural and engineered surfaces, such as, e.g., metal, metal alloy, composite, polymeric material, stone, wooden, and glass. Preferably, the surface may include an external vehicle surface, such as, e.g., a painted metal exterior.

[0033] As indicated, the abrasive free base composition is for use in vehicle detailing, particularly customised polishing compositions. It will therefore be convenient to describe the compositions, kit and associated methods with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the compositions, kit and associated methods are capable of broader applications and may be used with any surface polishing application.

[0034] As used herein, the term “abrasive free base composition” may include any composition substantially free from abrasive or containing a quantity of abrasive incapable of abrading a surface when applied thereto.

[0035] In one aspect, the present invention provides an abrasive free base composition for, or when used for, making a customised polishing composition, said base composition including by weight %: between about 0.1% to about 2.5% thickening agent; between about 5% to about 20% of an emollient ester; between about 5% to about 30% of a non-aqueous solvent; and between about 0.1% to about 5% of a co-emulsifying agent.

[0036] Suitably, the composition is substantially free of any abrasive agent.

[0037] Suitably, the composition further includes an organic solvent.

[0038] Suitably, the composition has low viscosity thereby facilitating the addition of abrasive particles while still effectively suspending any abrasive particles added.

[0039] Suitably, the composition is a liquid composition, preferably an emulsion.

[0040] In some embodiments, the emulsion may be a two-phase oil-in-water emulsion comprising a non-aqueous component mixed into an aqueous component.

[0041] In other embodiments, the emulsion may be a two-phase water-in-oil emulsion comprising an aqueous component mixed into a non-aqueous component.

[0042] The aqueous component may include the thickening agent, the emollient ester andwater.

[0043] The non-aqueous component may include the non-aqueous solvent, the coemulsifying agent and optionally the organic solvent.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-aqueous component may further include a siloxane. Any suitable siloxane may be used.

[0045] As indicated, the composition includes a thickening agent. Any suitable thickening agent may be used that is capable of suspending any abrasive particles later added to the resulting base composition.

[0046] Examples of suitable thickening agents include but are not limited to polyacrylates, silica-based thickeners including fumed silica or colloidal silica, bentonite clay, cellulose derivatives, acrylic polymers, xanthan gum, and alginates.

[0047] In some embodiments, the composition may include any one of the above mentioned thickening agents or any mixture or blend thereof.

[0048] In some embodiments, the thickening agent may include an acrylic polymer salt.

[0049] In some embodiments, the thickening agent may include polyacrylic acid(Carbomer™ 980).

[0050] The composition may include any suitable amount of thickening agent.

[0051] The composition may include between about 0.1 wt% to about 2.5wt%, between about 0.1 wt% to about 2.0wt%, between about 0.1 wt% to about 1 .5wt%, between about 0.1 wt% to about 1.0wt%, between about 0.1 wt% to about 0.9wt%, between about 0.1 wt% to about 0.8wt%, between about 0.1 wt% to about 0.7wt%, between about 0.1 wt% to about 0.6wt%, between about 0.2wt% to about 0.6wt%, between about 0.3wt% to about 0.6wt%, between about 0.3wt% to about 0.6wt%, or between about 0.3wt% to about 0.5wt% thickening agent. Preferably the composition may include about 0.2wt% thickening agent.

[0052] Of course, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the wt% of thickening agent may depend on a desired texture of the abrasive free base composition as well as a desired application method of applying the composition to a surface to be polished. For example, additional thickener may be added if seeking to manufacture a high viscosity abrasive free base composition.

[0053] As indicated, the composition includes an emollient ester.

[0054] Examples of suitable emollient esters include but are not limited to a naturally derived ester, a fatty acid ester, a lactic acid ester, a fruit acid ester, benzoate and salicylate ester, branched chain ester, monohydric alcoholic ester, and polyhydric alcohol ester. For example, the emollient ester may include any one, or a combination, of isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, myristyl myristate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, isostearyl isostearate, triisostearyl citrate, paraffin oil and butyl stearate.

[0055] In some embodiments, the emollient ester may include isodecyl oleate.

[0056] In some embodiments, the emollient ester may include paraffin oil.

[0057] The composition may include any suitable amount of emollient ester.

[0058] For example, the composition may include between about 5wt% to about 20wt%, between about 5wt% to about 19wt%, between about 5wt% to about 18wt%, between about 5wt% to about 17wt%, between about 5wt% to about 16wt%, between about 5wt% to about 15wt%, between about 5wt% to about 14wt%, between about 6wt% to about 14wt%, between about 7wt% to about 14wt%, between about 8wt% to about 14wt%, or between about 9wt% to about 14wt%, between about 10wt% to about 14wt% of emollient ester. Preferably, the composition includes between about 12wt% and about 15wt% emollient ester.

[0059] As indicated, the composition includes a non-aqueous solvent. The non-aqueous solvent may include any suitable aliphatic or aromatic solvent, preferably aliphatic solvent.

[0060] Examples of suitable aliphatic solvents include but are not limited to mineral spirits, petroleum naphtha, petroleum distillate, cyclohexane, octane, pentane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (“D5”) or isopentane nonane.

[0061] In some embodiments, the aliphatic solvent may be petroleum distillate, preferably hydrotreated light petroleum distillate, more preferably dearomatized aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent (Exssol™ D80).

[0062] The composition may include any suitable amount of non-aqueous solvent.

[0063] For example, the composition may include between about 5wt% to about 30wt%, between about 6wt% to about 30wt%, between about 7wt% to about 29wt%, between about 8wt% to about 28wt%, between about 9wt% to about 27wt%, or between about 10wt% to about 26wt%, preferably between about 9wt% to about 25wt%, more preferably between about 10wt% and about 24wt%. Preferably, the composition includes between about 10wt% and about 23wt% aliphatic solvent.

[0064] As indicated, the composition includes a co-emulsifying agent for assisting in the mixing of aqueous and non-aqueous components of the composition.

[0065] Any suitable co-emulsifying agent may be used. Examples of suitable coemulsifying agents include but are not limited to propylene glycol stearate, cetyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyglyceryl-2 stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or Laureth-23.

[0066] In some embodiments, the co-emulsifying agent includes C12-14 alcohol ethoxylate.

[0067] In some embodiments, the co-emulsifying agent includes a fatty acid ethoxylate (i.e.,Emulsogen™ ELO 200).

[0068] The composition may include any suitable amount of the co-emulsifying agent.

[0069] For example, the composition may include between about between about 0.1 wt% to about 5wt%, between about 0.1 wt% to about 4wt%, or between about 0.1 wt% to about 3.0wt% of the co-emulsifying agent. Preferably, the composition includes about 3.0wt% co-emulsifying agent.

[0070] As indicated, preferably the composition may further include an organic solvent. Any suitable organic solvent may be used. Examples of suitable organic solvents include but are not limited to organically derived methyl esters such as olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and polyalphaolefins, polyalkylene glycols, synhetic esters, polyolesters, perfluoropolyethers, polyisobutylenes, polyglycols, dialkyl carbonates, glycerol, silicone oils and polyurea.

[0071] In some embodiments, the organic solvent may be soybean methyl ester.

[0072] Advantageously, and in addition to functioning as a solvent, blending soybean methyl ester may synergistically enhance the properties of other solvents.

[0073] In some embodiments, the organic solvent may be glycerol.

[0074] The composition may include any suitable amount of the organic solvent.

[0075] For example, the composition may include between about 0.5wt% to about 5.0wt%, between about 0.5wt% to about 4.0wt%, between about 0.5wt% to about 3.0wt%, between about 0.5wt% to about 2.0wt%, between about 0.75wt% to about 2.0wt%, or between about 1 .0wt% to about 2.0wt% of the organic solvent.

[0076] In some embodiments, the composition includes about 1.75wt% of the organicsolvent.

[0077] In some embodiments, the composition includes 1 .0wt% of the organic solvent.

[0078] The aqueous component and ultimately the composition may include any suitable amount of water.

[0079] For example, the composition may include between about 30wt% to about 90wt%, between about 30wt% to about 85wt%, between about 30wt% to about 80wt%, between about 30wt% to about 75wt%, between about 30wt% to about 70wt%, between about 40wt% to about 70wt%, between about 50wt% to about 70wt% or between about 55wt% to about 65wt% water. Preferably, the composition may include about 60.85wt% water.

[0080] The composition may further include one or more additional agents, inclusive of biocides, colouring agents, fragrances, stabilisers, emulsifiers, surfactants and preservatives, although without limitation thereto. Examples include EDTA, citric acid, sodium chloride and suitable buffers. Examples of suitable surfactants include sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the abrasive free base composition for, or when used for, making a customised polishing composition, includes by weight %: about 0.2% thickening agent (poly(acrylic acid; carbomer™ 980); about 15% emollient ester (paraffin oil); about 10% of aliphatic solvent (D80 Solvent); about 3% co-emulsifying agent (modified castor oil ethoxylate; Emulsogen™ ELO 200); about 1% organic solvent (glycerin); and about 1% fragrance.

[0082] A method (100) of making the abrasive free base composition is now described in detail with reference to Figure 1 .

[0083] At step 1 10, the aqueous component is prepared by mixing the thickening agent and the emollient ester with an aqueous solution, preferably water.

[0084] The aqueous component is prepared under moderate agitation until the thickening agent and the emollient ester are uniformly mixed into the aqueous solution, preferably such that the aqueous component is a homogeneous mixture.

[0085] At step 120, the non-aqueous component is prepared by mixing the non-aqueoussolvent with the co-emulsifying agent and optionally with the organic solvent.

[0086] Again, the non-aqueous component is prepared under moderate agitation until the co-emulsifying agent and optionally the organic solvent are uniformly mixed into the nonaqueous solvent, preferably such that the non-aqueous component is a homogeneous mixture.

[0087] At step 130, the non-aqueous component is added and mixed into the aqueous component to prepare the abrasive free base composition.

[0088] The non-aqueous component may be mixed into the aqueous component in any suitable manner to obtain a homogenous mixture. For example, the non-aqueous component may be mixed into the aqueous component with ultra sonification, mechanical stirring, vortex stirring or high shear mixing, preferably high shear mixing.

[0089] In some embodiments, the method (100) may further include adding preservative to the abrasive free composition.

[0090] In some embodiments, the method (100) may include final steps of aliquoting the composition and packaging the aliquots. The aliquots may be packaged into containers, preferably containers with re-sealable lids.

[0091] In another aspect, the present invention provides a customisable polishing composition kit including: an abrasive free base composition according to the previously described aspect; and a plurality of abrasive particles categorised according to grit-range for addition to the abrasive free base composition to provide a polishing composition having a desired grit-range.

[0092] The categorised plurality of abrasive particles may include coarse grit particles for heavy cutting or paint correction (i.e., 1 ,000 to 1 ,500-grit-range), medium grit particles for medium cutting or refining (i.e., 2,000 to 3,000-grit-range), fine grit particles for fine polishing or finishing (i.e., 4,000 to 5,000-grit-range), and ultra-fine grit particles for ultra-fine polishing (i.e., >5,000-grit-range).

[0093] The abrasive particles may include but are not limited to polyethylene powder, aluminium oxide, silicon carbide, sand, zirconia alumina, boron carbide and cerium oxide.

[0094] Of course, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that different types of abrasive particles are suited for polishing different surfaces. For example, aluminium oxide may be used for polishing painted surfaces whereas cerium oxide may be used for glass surfaces.

[0095] The plurality of abrasive particles may preferably be provided in the kit precategorised according to grit-range and / or intended surface to be polished.

[0096] In some embodiments, the kit may further include instructions / guidelines outlining an amount of a selected abrasive particle to add to obtain a polishing composition having the desired grit-range.

[0097] In some embodiments, the kit may further include a mixing container enabling a user to aliquot or measure a precise volume of the abrasive free base composition and a desired quantity of abrasive particles for addition to the volume. The mixing container may include graduations for measuring volume and / or quantity.

[0098] A method (200) of making a customised polishing composition will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0099] At step 210, an abrasive particle of a desired grit-range is selected.

[0100] In some embodiments, the abrasive particle may be selected according to the intended surface to be polished.

[0101] At step 220, a quantity of the abrasive particle selected is added to the abrasive free base composition.

[0102] In some embodiments, an end user may determine the quantity based on provided instructions.

[0103] In other embodiments, the end user may determine the quantity to be added based on the intended purpose of the resulting polishing composition.

[0104] At step 230, the quantity of abrasive particle is mixed into the abrasive free base composition until the resulting customised polishing composition is uniformly mixed, preferably such that the abrasive particles added remain suspended in the composition.

[0105] The mixing may be undertaken manually or with an industrial mixer, such as, e.g., a vortex mixer or gyroscopic mixer.

[0106] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0107] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.EXAMPLES

[0108] Example 1 : Abrasive Free Base Composition For Vehicle Polishing Composition

[0109] The aqueous component of the composition is prepared with the following ingredients:

[0110] The non-aqueous component of the composition is prepared with the following ingredients:

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An abrasive free base composition for, or when used for, making a customised polishing composition, said base composition including by weight %: between about 0.1 % to about 2.5% thickening agent; between about 5% to about 20% of an emollient ester; between about 5% to about 30% of a non-aqueous solvent; and between about 0.1 % to about 5% of a co-emulsifying agent.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is substantially free of any abrasive agent.

3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, further including an organic solvent.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition is a two-phase oil- in-water emulsion including a non-aqueous component mixed into an aqueous component.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the aqueous component includes any one of the thickening agent, the emollient ester and water.

6. The composition of claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the non-aqueous component includes the non-aqueous solvent, the co-emulsifying agent and the organic solvent.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the thickening agent includes any one of polyacrylates, silica-based thickeners including fumed silica or colloidal silica, bentonite clay, cellulose derivatives, acrylic polymers, xanthan gum, and alginates.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the thickening agent is polyacrylic acid.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition includes about 0.2wt% thickening agent.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the emollient ester includes any one of isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, myristyl myristate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, isostearyl isostearate, triisostearyl citrate, paraffin oil, and butyl stearate.11 . The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the emollient ester is paraffin oil.

12. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the composition includes about 15wt% emollient ester.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the non-aqueous solvent includes any one of mineral spirits, petroleum naphtha, petroleum distillate, cyclohexane, octane, pentane and isopentane nonane.

14. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the non-aqueous solvent is dearomatized aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the-aqueous solvent is an aliphatic solvent and wherein the composition includes about 10wt% aliphatic solvent.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the co-emulsifying agent includes any one of propylene glycol stearate, cetyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyglyceryl-2 stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, or Laureth-23.

17. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the co-emulsifying agent includes fatty acid ethoxylate.

18. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the composition includes about 3.0wt% co-emulsifying agent.

19. The composition of claim 3, wherein the organic solvent includes any one of organically derived methyl esters such as olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and polyalphaolefins, polyalkylene glycols, glycerol, synthetic esters, polyolesters, perfluoropolyethers, polyisobutylenes, polyglycols, dialkyl carbonates, silicone oils and polyurea.

20. The composition of claim 3, wherein the organic solvent is glycerol.

21. The composition of any one of claims 3, 19 and 20, wherein the composition includes between about 0.5wt% to about 5.0wt% organic solvent.

22. The composition of claim 21 , wherein the composition includes about 1.0wt% organic solvent.

23. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 22, further including between about 30wt% to about 90wt% water.

24. The composition of claim 23, wherein the composition includes about 69.8wt% water.

25. A method of making an abrasive free base composition, said method including:mixing between 0.1 wt% to about 2.5wt% of a thickening agent and between about 5wt% to about 20wt% of an emollient ester with an aqueous solution to obtain an aqueous component; mixing between about 5wt% to about 30wt% of a non-aqueous solvent with between about 0.1 wt% to about 5wt% of a co-emulsifying agent to obtain a non-aqueous component; and mixing the non-aqueous component with the aqueous component to obtain the abrasive free base composition.

26. An abrasive free composition when made according to the method of claim 25.

27. A customisable polishing composition kit including: an abrasive free base composition according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and 26; and a plurality of abrasive particles categorised according to grit-range for addition to the abrasive free base composition to provide a polishing composition having a desired grit-range.

28. A method of formulating a customised polishing composition including: selecting abrasive particles according to a desired grit-range; adding a quantity of the abrasive particles selected to an abrasive free base composition according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and 26 to obtain a customised polishing composition; and mixing the customised polishing composition such that the quantity of abrasive particles added is uniformly dispersed in the composition.

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