CARING FOR YOUR FURNITURE
Thank you for your purchase.
Wood is a natural medium and the day to day use of your furniture will gradually lead to the appearance of marks on the furniture. While this is normal, successive layers of wax polish can, to a certain extent, protect the wood. The polish will also soften and blend any marks and over time give your furniture a deep glow. This glow is referred to as the patina. Patina can be defined as the surface colour and finish of the wood produced through the age, natural wear and generations of polishing.
The degree to which you polish your furniture is a personal choice. Regular polishing is however, advisable for three reasons.
- Firstly, successive layers of polish add a measure of protection against moisture and scratches. (Table tops and other working surfaces that are regularly used need to be polished more often than timber that is not exposed to regular contact).
- Secondly, polishing helps to clean away dirt and surface smudges.
- Thirdly, it serves to enhance the luster of the surfaces and thus improve the patina of your piece.
We advise that pieces are polished once a week during the first month, and twice a month for the next year. Thereafter polish should be applied at least once every three months.
A good patina is obtained only through regular polishing. We recommend and supply a solvent based, pure wax polish. While commercial aerosols may be convenient, they are not ideal and we do not recommend them. Apply a coat of white wax and polish the surface until it shines.
NATURAL SEALED FURNITURE (MATT)
This item has been sealed with an Acrylic sealant to give it a natural look and should not be polished.
For the first 10 days:
- Do not cover the items with plastic or non breathable material.
- Clean with a damp cloth, do not use water. If this does not take out the marks, you can use a mild detergent like Sunlight liquid.
- If this does not work, a stronger detergent like Mr Muscle may be used (both PH neutral cleaners).
Note: You may wax the item if it feels dry.
WAXING OF ITEMS
To polish your furniture:
Apply a thin layer of wax on a small area of the item, using a soft cloth, wipe off the wax immediately, rubbing in the direction of the grain, not circular movements.
Wax a small area at a time. The wax will harden if the whole item is waxed and then buffed, it will then cause a wax build-up which will be difficult to remove.
FRENCH POLISHED FURNITURE
The piece you own is protected to a degree from damage by heat and water. It is nevertheless wise to treat it with care and respect.
Careful treatment is especially important during the first six months as the French polish is still hardening during this period. Do not polish upholstered chairs as the wax will damage the fabric.
WAXED FURNITURE ITEMS
Can be cared for in the same way as French polished items.
We recommend that you buy good a quality, heat proof table protector or placemats to protect the tops of your furniture.
CEDAR WOOD FURNITURE
Cedar wood has a high resin content which ensures it will never get infected by beetle or rot and is also responsible for the wonderful scent.
Unfortunately, in some cases, especially in hot, dry conditions, the resin does tend to bleed a bit, which makes it rough and sticky. If this happens please feel free to call our factory.