Caring For Your Wood Furniture

Oiled Oak Furniture Care Tips

1. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time.  This may lighten the oak over time and accelerate the evaporation of the protective oils that have soaked into the oak.  If your dining room is in direct sunlight near a sunny window you might want to consider covering the table top during the hotter summer months with a table runner or table cloth when the table is not in use or make sure that the table is re oiled if it starts to dry out too much.
2. Never wipe oiled oak furniture with a wet or damp cloth as this may remove the protective oils from the table and it may leave a mark on the surface of the oak.  If you get a spillage soak it up with a dry cloth immediately and the gently dab the area with a damp cloth to try and remove as much liquid as possible very quickly and then dry off properly with a dry cloth again.  A light dusting should be enough for general cleaning.
3. Apply a new coating of oil to furniture when the oil appears to be drying up on the surface.  This is likely to be once or twice a year to keep tables in tip top condition.  We recommend that visit a reputable paint merchant for advice on the best Matt Wood Finishing Oil that they can supply. Please ensure the oil is certified as toy safe, food safety tested and BS wear and tear approved. Thoroughly read the products instructions before applying any oil.
4. Try not to have to have the central heating on too high in the dining room when not in use as this will dry the protective oils out quicker meaning you may have to re apply oil more regularly.
5. Don’t stand on dining chairs or allow people to rock backwards on the back legs as it may damage them.
6. Use mats on tables for cups and plates so that there is not direct contact with hot or damp items with the oak surface.
7. Never drag a table along a floor as this may cause damage to the table joints and could also damage your flooring.  Consider purchasing some protective pads to put on the underside of the table legs.
8. If you do get a mark on an oiled oak table top then you maybe be able to fix this with a light rub down with ultra fine (400 grade) wet and dry sand paper that’s lubricated with some oil.  Always try this on the underside of the table first or on the inside edge of a table leg to check that you are happy with the result before you try it on the table top.

Waxed Finished Wood

1. A wax finish does not have the same protection, the colour is applied in the same way but it is then finished with a liquid wax.
2. The wood is not sealed in anyway and can breathe and take on the elements of its surroundings, such as smoke from an open fire.
3. Rings will occur if mats are not used and spills will be absorbed into the wood.
4. Waxed wood needs periodical waxing depending on what wear and tear it receives, a chest of drawers would probably benefit from a monthly wax, whilst a table would benefit twice a month.
5. This is not as labour intensive as it sounds, only the top need be done with a clear wax and following the instructions on the tin.  If a coloured wax is applied the furniture colour will subtly change over time.  Six to twelve month intervals it is wise to wax the whole piece.
6. The wax soaks into to the wood keeping the wood hydrated and keeps the colour sharp, if rewaxing was not adhered to the piece would fade and possibly start to split in places.
7. As wax furniture does absorb dust particles and grease from finger tips and such like, a top tip is to wipe waxed furniture over with baby wipes as they hold just the right amount of moisture.