Care

Caring For Wood

There is some thing special about wood, its ambiance, its warmth, its luxury. Each piece of wood is different in its depth, richness of texture and graining. Wood properly cared for increases in value with age, developing its own patina. A finish adds protection and durability, preserving the wood by retarding the hygroscopic processes. This is where the wood absorbs or releases moisture to equalize itself with the moisture content in the air around it. The slower the hygroscopic process the less stress on both the wood and the finish.

Natural checks and hairline cracks occur in a surface finish because the wood and the finish expand at different rates. An increase in the moisture content causes the wood to swell, and a decrease causes shrinkage. Humidifiers in the winter and air conditioners or dehumidifiers in the summer are recommended. Expansion cracks and checks are inevitable. A crack is a break in the finish.Where a check is a split in the wood. Unless you protect these exposed areas, the grain will raise and cause even more prominent surface cracks and checks.

Liquid left on the surface causes finishes to separate from the wood, leaving a flaking finish, leaving a white ring. This whiteness is moisture trapped in the finish. If the moisture penetrates through the finish and gets to the wood underneath, the white ring turns to black. Proper wood care will help prevent and minimize accidental damage. Dusting with a dry cloth can cause scratches on the finish. The better duster is a clean cloth dampened with wood cleaner or polish.

Pretest in an inconspicuous area. These recommendations may not be for all woods or your specific furniture. We will not be held liable for any damages that may occur.


Caring For Leather

Leather is susceptible to damage. Stiffness and surface cracking caused by the drying out of the natural oils. Fiber discoloration due to liquids (especially water) forcing the natural oils out of the leather a result of accidents and spills or sun exposure. Also scuffing and tearing, usually occurring form abuse. Conditioner/Protector enhances the look, and adds vital protection, resists scuffing, inhibits color fading and helps preserve the leather. These products are specially formulated to provide your leather with these three elements: Deep cleaning with a non-solvent solution to gently dissolve everyday soiling and body oils. Conditioning/ Feeding helps to maintain the suppleness of the leather. Our leather Conditioner contains lanolin for conditioning and mink oil for deep moisturization. Protective polymers are added to assist the leather in repelling household stains without affecting the breathability of the hide.

Tips on Caring for Your Leather Do not use aggressive substances or harsh liquids such as soap. Leather needs gentle care. Do not rub strongly. Keep leather away from heaters or direct sunlight. Dust frequently and use Leather Cleaner and Conditioner regularly. About every six months or so. Always make sure to pretest in an inconspicuous area first. When Cleaners and Conditioners are used regularly, leather will look newer, longer. Although this process is not suitable for unfinished leathers like suede and nubuck.

Pretest in an inconspicuous area. These recommendations may not be for all leathers or your specific furniture. We will not be held liable for any damages that may occur.


Caring For Fabric

To successfully clean fabric, it is important to determine the type of fabric and the recommended cleaning code. This information can be found on the tag attached to the furniture. Cleaning Code: W: Use a water-based cleaning agent or foam. S: Use a mild, water-free, dry cleaning agent. WS: Either water-based cleaning agent, a dry cleaning solvent or foam type cleaner may be used. X: Do not use a foam or liquid cleaner of any type. Vacuuming or brushing lightly to remove any soil. For any type of cleaning, we recommend that a professional upholstery cleaner be contacted. If you have further questions relating to your particular piece of furniture, please contact your dealer. It is recommended that your furniture be vacuumed regularly so as to prevent dirt from grinding into your fabric, and to help preserve the new look of the fabric.

Pilling is a results of excess fiber coming off the surface of the material. This condition is not warranted by the fabric mills because it is not a defect. It is simply excess material being released. This is similar to the fuzing experienced with new carpet or pilling of a new sweater. The concern on the part of most consumers is that the fabric is disintegrating and will leave a bald area on the cover. That is not the case, the pilling will persist until the excess fiber is gone, and then will cease. The best treatment is simply to shave the cover with a furniture or sweater shaver to remove the pills and restore the look of the cover surface. This may need to be done 3-4 times before pilling subsides.

Pretest in an inconspicuous area. These recommendations may not be for all fabrics or your specific furniture. We will not be held liable for any damages that may occur.


Wood Repairs

Scratches: Apply Wood polish with 0000 steel wool, rubbing lightly with the grain, for deep scratches that have penetrated the wood, rub nut meat directly into the scratch, black walnut for dark woods, pecan for lighter woods.

Alcohol stains: Apply a paste of cigar or cigarette ashes and caster oil, rub with the grain until stain is gone. Follow with wood polish. For heavier stains rub with rottenstone and wood polish.

Water rings: Rub with a mixture of equal parts of olive oil and white vinegar, rubbing with the grain. Or apply cheesecloth that had been dampened with hot water and several drops of ammonia. Follow immediately with an application of wood polish.

Ink: Wipe with a damp cloth. If stains are old apply a mild oxalic solution and ammonia.

Burns: Rub in a paste type silver polish, keeping clear of unmarred finish. Wipe dry. Clean with Wood cleaner and apply wood polish.

Heat marks and white spots: Coat the area with mayonnaise and allow to stand for an hour. Then wipe off. Or rub gently with spirits of camphor and apply a coat of wood polish.

Pretest in an inconspicuous area. These recommendations may not be for all woods or your specific furniture. We will not be held liable for any damages that may occur.