Wood Care Tips
A wide array of products (ranging from oils, waxes, and sprays to home remedies) is available for furniture care. However—contrary to popular belief—wood does not need to be ‘fed'. The best way to care for furniture is simply to maintain a stable environment. No amount of oil or other materials will keep wood from drying out if the humidity level is too low.
Some furniture polishes leave residues that produce unsightly build-up and can affect finishes.
One of the best ways to clean wood is to dust regularly with a slightly dampened cloth. However, a lot of furniture made before World War I is sensitive to water and should be dusted only with a dry cloth or one with some odourless paint thinner in it. After dusting, buff the surface with a dry, soft cloth.
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Micro-crystalline wax (a scent- and colour-free white paste wax that is available at specialty tool supply stores) can be used to increase the gloss of the finish, which will make it easier to remove fingerprints. Do this only once a year and only to the surfaces that are handled, being careful to avoid wax build-up around metal fittings.
Remove metal hardware before polishing it because the abrasives or ammonia in the metal cleaning compounds can damage the surrounding wood and finish. Museums and historic houses no longer polish metal hardware but simply buff it with a clean, dry cotton cloth. This produces a soft gleam and minimizes wear and tear on the hardware.
If furniture is found to be infested with insects, isolate it and wrap it in plastic; then consult a conservator for advice. Furniture that needs extensive repair or cleaning should also be referred to a conservator.
Stripping wooden furniture is not recommended. Original finishes are part of the historical value of a piece and are preferred over heavy restoration (remember that half the value of new and old furniture is in the finish). It is generally wiser to maintain an original finish than to refinish a piece, depending on the condition of the remaining finish. Once an original finish is removed it cannot be put back.
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HHI Design and Build © 2007 | WebDawgs Design
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Exterior Wood
Cleaning your home’s exterior surfaces regularly will improve your home’s appearance and will help preserve your paint, stain or siding finish.
If you find mildew on your siding, apply household bleach directly to any affected areas and rinse with a garden hose.
Cedar and redwood are more expensive than other decking materials but do not need to be painted or pressure treated. As the cedar weathers, it will turn a distinctive driftwood gray color. Redwood darkens to a natural hue as it weathers.
Your wood decking will expand and contract with the elements. Reset any pulled nails and re-nail any warped boards with a finishing hammer.
Places where deck boards rest on joists underneath the deck are particularly prone to collecting obstructions. Your deck will last longer if you clean between the deck boards with a pressure washer once a year.
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