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Vinony

sugar soap

noun

  1. alkaline abrasive used to remove paint
L1327328 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

noun

Etymology: From the resemblance of the dry powder form to table sugar.

  1. An extremely powerful detergent used for washing surfaces prior to painting.

    “A detailed discussion of the work of J. Boes and H. Weyland on the value of sugar soap was made by F. G. as had been already pointed out in last year's report.”

    “Sugar soap, states a writer in the "Pharmaceutical Journal," is a soap powder used by painters for washing down purposes before applying new coats of paint and varnish. It owes its name to its resemblance to Demerara sugar crystals, and is retailed in 1 lb. cartons at sixpence or less, and some of it is packed loose in casks.”