WOOD FURNITURE:

WOOD FURNITURE REPAIR TIPS :

• Light cigarette burns may be removed if they have not penetrated the finish. A thin paste of rottenstone, cigarette ashes, or soda mixed with linseed oil can be rubbed to remove these stains. It should be rubbed in the direction of the grain. After that it should be wiped with linseed oil.
• Small scratches can be touched up with a "touch up stick", which can be found in a paint store.
• Up to half the weight of freshly sawn wood is water.. Furniture is crafted from wood that is carefully dried, retaining just enough moisture for the furniture to properly acclimate to the relative humidity in our home. The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air, shrinking and expanding in response to changes in relative humidity Like our own skin, solid wood furniture's natural response to extremely dry air is to lose moisture and shrink a bit The halves of an extension table may part slightly or a few tiny openings may appear on a solid wood surface. This will correct itself as the relative humidity rises, and the wood absorbs enough moisture to expand slightly. On the other hand, if we don't have an air conditioner or dehumidifier, our home's relative humidity may get too high. Parts of our wood furniture may absorb excess moisture from the air and expand, perhaps causing drawers to stick. Once again, this will correct itself as our home's relative humidity decreases. The furniture's quality and sturdiness are not affected by these natural changes.
• The type of finish on the wood, not the type of wood, determines how to care for it, clean it, and repair damage; so know what kind of finish it has. Finishes may be soft (oils) or hard (lacquer, shellac, varnish or polyurethane), or painted. Ask when buying new furniture.
• If we know which finish is on our wood furniture, we will have to follow the appropriate procedures. Excessive dampness, dryness, heat, or cold can damage wood furniture. Sunlight can change the color. Rubber or plastic mats should not be used unless marked safe for wood, since some may soften or stain the finish. Wipe up spills at once to prevent spots that require refinishing.
• Polish should be applied not more than 3-4 times a year unless it gets heavy use, with a polish recommended for the kind of finish. Too much polish may build up a cloudy film; the polish should be wiped off before it dries completely.
• Different types of polish should not be mixed. Oil causes wax to become gummy. The furniture surface should be cleaned thoroughly before changing furniture care products.

Regular Cleaning

• Vacuuming with a dusting brush attachment gently removes dust from furniture surfaces, preventing buildup. If there is no vacuum, a clean soft cloth can be used, turning it often, or soft paper towels to pick up dust. Furniture should be dusted before vacuuming floors. If the finish is water resistant, a barely dampened towel or cloth will pick up dust.
• Pads, mats and coasters on furniture, mats under vases, glasses, cups etc. protect them from spills and stains, and from heated objects. Plastic or rubber should never be used natural wood surfaces as they may soften and damage finish. Felt is to be used under objects set on top of furniture that could scratch it.
• Wood and water do not mix well..
• With that said, a good cream polish is best used for wood care. The over-the-counter spray polishes tend to build up and diminish the shine of our wood furniture.
• A spill should never be allowed to sit long before wiping it up with a dry cloth. It is recommended to use coasters with glasses as the condensation on the outside of the glass can ruin a beautiful table. The use of trivets or other protective devices when putting hot dishes on a wood surface is also highly advisable.