Polish formulations are provided which comprise: a) an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent comprising 0-10% aromatic hydrocarbons; b) an acrylic resin; and c) a wax product that is thermoplastic, transparent, a solid at room temperature and has a melting/softening point of about 60.degree. to about 90.degree. C.; wherein wt:wt ratio of said acrylic resin and wax is about 1:3 to about 1:8 and the wt:wt ratio of said resin and wax to said solvent is about 1:1 to about 1:9. The formulations function as surface polishes that can be used on any hard surface including wood, metal, stone, and other non-porous surfaces.

Water in oil emulsion formulations comprise: a) from about 55% to about 65% by weight of the formulation of an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent comprising a maximum of 10% aromatic hydrocarbons; b) from about 15% to about 25% by weight of a wax product which is emulsifiable, possesses a polar component and has a melting/softening point in the range of from 60.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C.; c) from about 1% to about 5% by weight of an emulsifier; d) from 0 to about 0.5% by weight of a resin; and e) about 13% to about 18% by weight water, with the proviso that the combination of solvent and wax products comprises at least about 75% of the total composition. The formulations are useful as surface polishes that can be used on any hard surface including wood, metal, stone, and other non-porous surfaces.