600 S Bell Blvd. Suite 209, Cedar Park
Dr@AustinFurnitureDoctor.com
Tips to maintaining healthy furniture.
Environment
Avoid direct sunlight, the UV rays will fade the color and deteriorate the finish. Storage in a hot and dry area should be kept to a minimum. A dry environment will dry out the wood. As well, changes in temperature and humidity may be harmful. Wood does not dry out from a lack of oil but rather from a lack of moisture.
Heavy objects left sitting on the table for long periods may cause imprints in the finish, while other objects may damage the finish. For example, plastic placemats can stick to the finish, air fresheners can eat the finish, hot plates can melt the finish. Avoid wrapping furniture with bubble wrap, as the wrap may leave imprints on the furniture. Avoid scratches by lifting and placing the objects on the table. Don't slide objects across the surface. Coasters can go a long way with protecting the surface from water rings.
Oils and polishes
Furniture oils will temporarily enhance the finish and appearance, but can contribute to the degradation of the finish over time as oils leave a residue that can attract dust and dirt build up. Oils may also change the color of the piece.
Silicon based polishes should be avoided as silicon can penetrate the finish and will cause problems with future restoration or repairs. Silicon oil leaves a difficult to remove film behind that affects the adhesion of spot repairs or restoration of the existing finish.
Aerosols are convenient. However, they often contain silicon oils and other contaminants, in addition, they may contain solvents that deteriorate varnishes and lacquers.
Maintenance
Semisolid polishes are the least damaging to wooden objects. Frequently called "paste waxes," these products are actually a very concentrated solution of waxes. Provided the ingredients do not include undesirable contaminants like silicon or high concentrations of damaging organic solvents such as alcohol, xylene, or toluene, paste waxes are an excellent polish for the surfaces of most wooden objects.
Furniture paste wax is stable and long lasting. It will provide protection from moisture and dust and is not permanent. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation. Note that wax may not be appropriate for surfaces with a deteriorating finish.
Cleaning
You'll usually want to avoid cleaning wood with water. However, sticky spots may need to be treated with soap and water. Dip the cloth in mild soap or detergent dissolved in water, wring the cloth nearly dry, and wipe the area. Rinse and immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth. Don't rub hard on the surface, for it may polish the spot and make it look shinier…an effect you may not want.
Always remember, if you have a problem, or if you clean too diligently, we are here to help.
Environment
Avoid direct sunlight, the UV rays will fade the color and deteriorate the finish. Storage in a hot and dry area should be kept to a minimum. A dry environment will dry out the wood. As well, changes in temperature and humidity may be harmful. Wood does not dry out from a lack of oil but rather from a lack of moisture.
Heavy objects left sitting on the table for long periods may cause imprints in the finish, while other objects may damage the finish. For example, plastic placemats can stick to the finish, air fresheners can eat the finish, hot plates can melt the finish. Avoid wrapping furniture with bubble wrap, as the wrap may leave imprints on the furniture. Avoid scratches by lifting and placing the objects on the table. Don't slide objects across the surface. Coasters can go a long way with protecting the surface from water rings.
Oils and polishes
Furniture oils will temporarily enhance the finish and appearance, but can contribute to the degradation of the finish over time as oils leave a residue that can attract dust and dirt build up. Oils may also change the color of the piece.
Silicon based polishes should be avoided as silicon can penetrate the finish and will cause problems with future restoration or repairs. Silicon oil leaves a difficult to remove film behind that affects the adhesion of spot repairs or restoration of the existing finish.
Aerosols are convenient. However, they often contain silicon oils and other contaminants, in addition, they may contain solvents that deteriorate varnishes and lacquers.
Maintenance
Semisolid polishes are the least damaging to wooden objects. Frequently called "paste waxes," these products are actually a very concentrated solution of waxes. Provided the ingredients do not include undesirable contaminants like silicon or high concentrations of damaging organic solvents such as alcohol, xylene, or toluene, paste waxes are an excellent polish for the surfaces of most wooden objects.
Furniture paste wax is stable and long lasting. It will provide protection from moisture and dust and is not permanent. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation. Note that wax may not be appropriate for surfaces with a deteriorating finish.
Cleaning
You'll usually want to avoid cleaning wood with water. However, sticky spots may need to be treated with soap and water. Dip the cloth in mild soap or detergent dissolved in water, wring the cloth nearly dry, and wipe the area. Rinse and immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth. Don't rub hard on the surface, for it may polish the spot and make it look shinier…an effect you may not want.
Always remember, if you have a problem, or if you clean too diligently, we are here to help.