The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word REFINE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
E
F
I
N
E
More clues leading to the result REFINE
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Polish" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case polish = refine.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does REFINE mean?
REFINE verb- To purify; reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; to free from impurities.
- To become pure; to be cleared of impure matter.
- To purify of coarseness, vulgarity, inelegance, etc.; to polish.
- To improve in accuracy, delicacy, or excellence.
- To make nice or subtle.