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Useful Tips ~ Caring for your
Wood Furniture
Seek
professional advice from an antiques expert when dealing with valuable
furnishings.
The type of finish on
the wood, not the type of wood, determines how to care for it, clean it,
and repair damage; so understand what kind of finish your wood
furniture has.
CARING
FOR YOUR WOOD FURNITURE
Excessive dampness, dryness, heat, or cold can damage wood
furniture. Wood responds to changes in temperature and humidity. It swells
or shrinks and can warp or split. Direct sunlight contains ultraviolet
light and will change the colours of both dyed and natural woods. Rubber
or plastic mats should not be used since some may soften or stain the
finish. Wipe up spills at once to prevent spots that require refinishing.
Antique furniture should not be cared for or repaired in the same manner
as modern home furnishings. Unless you know what you're doing, the use of
polishes, adhesives, fasteners and finishes can dramatically affect the
current and future value of such pieces.
APPLYING WAX TO YOUR WOOD FURNITURE
It is important to properly maintain the finishes on your wood furniture.
Maintaining a wax finish is important to the maintenance and protection of
wood pieces. Buy a high-quality, cabinetmaker's wax, one designed
specifically for wood furniture at woodworking stores. We recommended
using an oil-free, wood finisher's 0000 steel wool to apply wax to avoid
streaks and blurs. Apply wax in circular motion and finish off by rubbing
along grain. On new furniture pieces, three to four light coats of wax
applied at four to eight hour intervals is usually a good way to establish
a good protective coating. Cotton diapers, old terry towel, or T-shirts
are great for buffing.
Many of the popular spray furniture polishes you see on TV commercials,
contain silicone. Silicone will build up, dull, and soften furniture
finishes over time. They are noted for allowing fingerprints to show.
Dust weekly with a soft, dry, all-cotton cloth. Don't use polishes or oils
over your coat of protective wax. Wipe up spills as soon as possible to
prevent spotting. Reapply a coat of wax when you can no longer buff
the coating to a shine; about twice a year.
Antique wood furniture requires even more special care. A
thin coat of wax applied annually will help protect your antique
furniture's finish. In between waxing, dusting with a soft, lint free
cloth on a regular basis. Dampen the cloth slightly and turn frequently. A
dry rag can cause scratches when dusting.
The appearance of antique furniture can be enhanced without damaging the
existing finish. Consulting a restoration expert prior to treating your
antiques will help preserve what only time can produce. Maintaining the
original aged finish should be the primary consideration.
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