Oxidized polyethylene waxes can also be emulsified in water. Wax emulsions are applied as finishes to textiles in order to obtain a smoother surface in order to make them easier to sew and to make them more resistant to linting and pilling. Polyethylene waxes are used in polishes applied to shoes, furniture, floors and car bodywork and wax emulsions to protect the surface, to provide gloss or to enhance safety by increasing the slip resistance.
Addition of wax emulsions to the coating of glossy magazines protects the surface against ink rub-off. A thin layer of wax can also be applied to the skin of citrus fruit to prevent it from drying out and becoming bruised.