Care
of Solid Wood Tables
If
cared for properly your solid hardwood table can give you
a lifetime of service and beauty Here are several care
tips that will enhance your solid hardwood table investment:
• Place
your table away from radiators, fireplaces, and heating
ducts.
• Position table out of direct sunlight or adjust blinds to avoid hour
after hour of direct sunlight.
• Control humidity to 40%-45%. In winter use a humidifier, in summer use
a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Use coasters with non-scratching bottoms.
• Use padding under all sharp, hot, or cold objects.
• Store table leaves in close proximity to table or in the same humidity,
avoid storing leaves in damp basements where the leaves mav swell.
• Avoid using nail polish remover, alcohol, and all solvents near
or on table.
• Ask your retailer about manufacturer-provided finishes that resist damage
from harmful liquids and objects.
Routine
Cleaning and Care
DUST
CAREFULLY with a soft cloth, following the grain
pattern of the wood. Use an old T-shirt, baby diaper
or cheesecloth that has been laundered to remove the
sizing.
DUST OFTEN to remove everyday abrasive particles
from wood surfaces.
CONSIDER CLEANING with a mild non-alkaline
soap and water. Use the suds in a damp sponge or cloth, but
be sure to pre-test the solution on an out-of-sight section
to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Dry immediately
with a soft cloth and buff lightly, following the grain.
DON'T WAX or use any polish that contains
any silicones! Catalyzed heat and moisture resistant finishes
don't need additional polish, but if you want to use a polish
we recommend Guardsman Furniture Polish.
Furniture
First Aid
Here
are some common problems and ways for you to correct them.
With all of these solutions try a small area first to assure
that the remedy doesn't damage the finish.
WATER
MARKS, RINGS Rings are often in the wax, not
the finish. Cover the stain with a clean, thick blotter,
press down with a warm iron, and repeat. Or try rubbing
with salad oil, mayonnaise, or white toothpaste. Then
wipe dry.
WHITE MARKS Rub with cloth dipped in a
mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon juice or salad oil.
Or rub with a doth dipped in lighter fluid, followed by
a mixture of rottenstone and salad oil. Wipe dry.
MILK OR ALCOHOL Rub in a paste of boiled
linseed oil and rottenstone with the grain, substituting
pumice for dull finishes. Or rub with ammonia on a dampened
cloth. Then wipe dry
CIGARETTE BURNS Minor burns can be remedied
by rubbing with scratch-concealing polish or with a paste
of linseed oil and rottenstone, working with the grain until
the burn mark dissappears.
HEAT MARKS Rub gently along the grain using
a dry steel wool soap pad, extra-fine (0000) steel wool,
or a cloth dampened with camphorated oil or mineral spirits.
NAIL POLISH Blot the spill immediately,
then rub with fine steel wool (0) dipped in Guardsman Furniture
Polish. Wipe dry
PAINT MARKS If fresh, remove latex paint
with water and oil-based paint with mineral spirits. If dry,
soak spot in boiled linseed oil, wait until paint softens,
then lift carefully with a putty knife or wipe with cloth
dampened with boiled linseed oil. Residue can be removed
by rubbing along the grain with a paste of boiled linseed
oil and rottenstone. Wipe dry.
STICKING PAPER Dampen the paper thoroughly
with salad oil, wait five minutes and rub along the grain
with extra-fine (0000) steel wool. Wipe dry
WAX OR GUM Harden the substance by holding an ice cube wrapped
in cloth against it. Pry off with a fingernail. Rub the area with extra-fine
(0000) steel wool dipped in mineral spirits. Wipe dry.
Questions? Call:785.835.6440
