Wooden Cloth Desk
US $9.80
ANTIQUE OR ARTISTIC – ALL TYPES OF WOODEN FURNITURE NEED A REGULAR POLISH...HERE’S HOW
Wooden furniture doesn’t need to be centuries old to need looking after, even modern pieces need a regular dust and polish necessary to keep its value and its looks.
All wooden furniture – from a centuries old oak desk to the very latest shabby chic limewashed table, Balinese teak dresser or painted chair – needs TLC. Proper care will keep the furniture’s good looks and functionality and help preserve its value .
If you know what the different finishes of your furniture are, it’s easier to care for them optimally.
Following is a quick guide to common wood finishes and how to care for them. And even if you’re pressed for time, so even a quick furniture polish or wax is like a facial for furniture!.
GENERAL CARE
When dusting, buffing or rubbing, keep in the same direction of the grain of the wood and always use a slightly damp, lint-free soft cotton cloth. Many of the shop-bought furniture sprays contain silicon which can penetrate and damage the natural surface of the wood, so it’s advisable to look for products that are less harsh. Dust can also scratch the wood’s surface, so it’s best to keep furniture free of grit and grime. And while regular dusting and cleaning is vital, for optimum furniture care and to change the actual condition of the wood, you’ll have to put a little extra effort in. For optimum wood care, a regular dose of furniture polish or wax polish is necessary.
PAINTED FURNITURE (INCLUDING ‘DISTRESSED’ WOOD, PAINT TECHNIQUES ETC)
Dust or wipe clean with a damp (not wet) cloth or a sponge once a week to remove dust, smudges and fingermarks. A very light layer of wood oil can be applied onto the surface every now and then.
POLISHED WOOD
Orange oil can be used on polished surfaces as well as unpolished or oiled woods – and is excellent for cleaning and restoring the patina of the wood by breaking down dirt and wax build-up.
OILED WOOD
An occasion application of furniture oil is all that it takes to maintain the warm, soft glow of oiled wooden surfaces. A good option is to use orange oil, which is excellent for cleaning, is non-toxic and natural and which doesn’t contain silicon. Once you’ve applied a thin layer (using a soft cotton cloth), buff well to bring up the patina. Wax polishes should be avoided on oiled surfaces as they can have an effect on the wood’s porosity.
FRENCH POLISHED, SHELLAC OR LACQUERED WOOD
These high-gloss surfaces are not very strong and are prone to chipping and damage. Astringent solvents in many commercial furniture polishes and sprays can also damage the suface . Lacquered surfaces won’t absorb wood oil, so the best thing to do is to apply a light coating of natural wax polish .
VENEERS
Extreme conditions (both wet or dry) will cause problems for veneered furniture – and if water or polish gets underneath the veneer, it can lift, split or buckle – so take extra care.
CANE, WICKER, LEATHER, VINYL ETC
Orange oil can be used on wicker and cane furniture, as well as on untreated wooden surfaces.
Many furniture creams and restoring polishes can be used for leather care and vinyl. Remove all dust with a damp cloth or sponge. Orange oil and beeswax are good options for leather, as they are easy to use and nourishing, leaving leather supple and resistant to dirt and water.
People should think of wood furniture as being human, says a long-established supplier of quality products and waxes for various furniture finishes, Australian Gilly Stephenson. “TLC has the same effect on wooden furniture as it does on people – it makes them look and feel wonderful!” They’ve been in the business of producing their wood care products for decades and have established a loyal customer base all over the world.
How to Clean and Wax a Wood Table
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