Care & Maintenance

FINISH MAINTENANCE:

With the exception of true oil-rubbed surfaces, modern finishes do not need to be polished, oiled, or waxed. In fact, applying some polishing oils, cleaning waxes, or products containing silicone may impede the effectiveness of touch-up or refinishing procedures in the future.

No abrasives, chemical or ammonia cleaners should be used to clean woodwork surfaces. Routine cleaning is best accomplished with a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water or an inert household dust attractant. Allowing airborne dust, which is somewhat abrasive, to build up will tend to dull a finish over time.

Remove oil or grease deposits with a mild soap, following the directions for dilution on the container.

IMPACT:

Avoid excessive or repetitive impact, however lightly applied. The cellular structure of the wood will compact under pressure. Many modern finishes are flexible and will show evidence of impact and pressure applied to them.

HEAT:

Avoid localized high heat, such as a hot pan or plate, or a hot light source, close to or in contact with the finished surface. Exposure to direct sunlight will alter the appearance of woodwork over time.

HUMIDITY:

Maintain the relative humidity around the woodwork in accordance with the guidelines published in these standards, every hour of every day, to minimize wood movement.

ABUSE:

Use the trims, cabinets and fixtures, paneling, shelving, ornamental work, stairs, frames, windows, and doors as they were intended. Abuse of cabinet doors and drawers, for example, may result in damage to them as well as to the cabinet parts to which they are joined.

OXIDATION:

Is a reaction of acids in wood (e.g., tannic acid), with iron, oxygen, and moisture, whether this is relative humidity or direct moisture. Control of moisture is a simple way to protect wood products from stains as a result of oxidation.

MOISTURE:

Architectural woodwork, when properly finished, is relatively durable and resistant to moisture. Prevent direct contact with moisture, and wipe it dry immediately should any occur. Allowing moisture to accumulate on, or stay in contact with, any wood surface, no matter how well finished, will cause damage.

REFINISHING:

Contact us to explore the options for repair or refinishing. It is often more cost-effective to replace damaged woodwork elements rather than attempting large-scale, on-site refinishing.

USE:

- Trims, cabinets and fixtures, paneling, shelving, ornamental work, stairs, frames, windows, and doors as they were intended.

- Abuse of cabinet doors and drawers, for example, may result in damage to them as well as to the cabinet parts to which they are joined.

AVOID:

- Excessive or repetitive impact, however lightly applied. The cellular structure of the wood will compact under pressure. Many modern finishes are flexible and will show evidence of impact and pressure applied to them.

- Localized high heat, such as a hot pan or plate, or a hot light source, close to or in contact with the finished surface. Exposure to direct sunlight will alter the appearance of fine woodwork over time.

CLEANING:

- Should be routine and accomplished with a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water or an inert household dust attractant. Allowing airborne dust, which is somewhat abrasive, to build up will tend to dull a finish over time.

- Remove oil or grease deposits with a mild soap, following its directions for dilution.

- Do not use abrasives, chemical or ammonia cleaners on fine architectural woodwork surfaces.