Polished is cotton is chintz. It can be either 100% cotton or usually a Cotton/Poly Blend. It has a glaze finished on it to give it that polished look. The only problem with using it for quilting is that it's really not washable. After a few washings that polished look will dim. It not very good for upholstery since that glaze will also wear off do to use.
Happy Scissoring,
Scissorman USA