FURNITURE CARE

FINISH & MAINTENANCE of HARDWOOD FURNITURE

An oil finish will display the deepest and richest colouring wood has to offer. Oil finishes are built up over several thin layers and allow a patina* to develop over the years. This finish is excellent for hard use surfaces with relative ease of maintenance. The piece of furniture you have from KENTON JESKE woodworker comes with an established oil finish of 5-7 coats (applications) of oil, hand rubbed on and burnished to a high sheen. This establishing finish is applied to each piece to bring forth a lustrous and beautiful glow from the woods natural colouring and characteristics. Taking good care of the surfaces that are heavily used will maintain the establishing finish and prolong the beauty and function of the piece into the future.

Cleaning often used pieces (i.e. dining table tops) after each use is a good start. A lightly dampened cloth and a small bit of dish soap is all you need. Dry completely with a clean cotton rag free of embroidery or silk screening (to eliminate scratching). Pieces such as credenzas, mirrors, coffee tables, hall tables, etc. that get occasional use can be cleaned from time to time in the same manner or simply with a dusting brush. 

Over time, due to seasonal humidity changes, you may begin to notice your piece of furniture looking dull. Applying mineral oil** once every 6 months to a year is advised to keep your piece looking clean and lively. To refresh the original sheen and vibrancy of the surface of your piece apply a very thin even application of mineral oil with a cotton cloth. Let the light layer of oil sit on the surface for approx. 20 minutes and wipe completely dry in the direction of the grain with a clean cotton rag. Be diligent here as you don't want to leave any oil on the surface.

Water spots and light scratches can be diminished by gently rubbing # 0000 steel wool*** (extra fine) over the marks in the same direction as the grain. Blend the edges of the spot you are rubbing so as to not create a hard line on the surface abraded around the area being repaired. Finish with mineral oil as described above. If you have dents that you find objectionable you can place drops of water into those dents and let them sit overnight on the damaged area until you see the wood fibers swell to more or less their original state, then lightly steel wool and finish with mineral oil, as described above. 

If your furniture is looking very dry and worn after a few years of heavy use, as dining tables can, it may be time to restore your original Oil finish. This is a task that can be hired out by calling the shop or if you wish you could give it a try on your own. I suggest contacting the shop for a mix of the oil recipe that I use and a brief tutorial on the steps you should take to do so.


DO NOT:

DO NOT Use cleaning products on your furniture.
DO NOT Place hot items directly on your furniture.
DO NOT Place wet items or leave standing water or other liquids on your furniture. Wipe up as promptly as you can.

*Patina is a sheen on wooden furniture due to age and polishing, this has come from a hardening of the surface through daily use and is beautiful in its maturity.

** Mineral oil is not a finish but an application to keep your piece looking clean and to restore its sheen. Mineral Oil can be found at hardware stores, look for food safe labels. Follow any instructions on the label with regards to discarding rags used in clean up.

***Steel wool No #0000 (extra fine grade) can be found at hardware stores.