whiting.... tip from American friend!

[sense4all]

I was told to spruce up some mother of pearl make a paste of whiting and water, let it dry, then buff. This would be fab. if I knew what whiting was!. Any suggestions ?

[Quizmonster]

It's purified, powdered chalk, basically. If you have a 'proper' ironmonger nearby, just ask there for it...they'll know. Alternatively, try a decorators' supplier, as it's often used in making 'size', which painters put on walls before hanging paper etc.

[Clanad]

I think, Q, that most sizing one would obtain in relation to paper hanging is going to be made of cornflower or starch... or a thinned version of the wheat based paste used for holding the paper to the wall. There are also some cellulose based sizing materials for specific applications. I do think you're on the right track with the 'chalk' mentioned, though. I believe it to be kaolin or, more exactly kaolinite. It is used for many purposes, but it is quite fine in texture and has been refered to as 'whiting', although archaically...

[Quizmonster]

Quite, C, but I wasn't suggesting the questioner should actually use size - in British English 'sizing' means arranging according to 'size' - which is just a sloppy, gluey, liquidy substance which can be brushed.
I intended that he/she might ask the merchant for the raw material itself. It could then be made into a much much thicker paste, which I have no doubt would be an effective cleansing agent. We're talking very mild abrasive here, I think, after all.
'Whiting' is not archaic in British English, either. Cheers

[TempleLane]

Whiting is a purified chalk product, produced by firms such as English China Clays, it has a varity of uses for industry.

You can obtain smaller amount than 25kg bags, usually from fine art shops, artist and furniture restorers suppliers

[sense4all]

Thanks Chaps , sound advice as always!