Wooden furniture is a beautiful and timeless addition to any home. When it comes to custom woodworking furniture, it's even more special. Not only is it unique and tailored to your specific needs and tastes, but it's also an investment that you'll want to last for years to come. That's why it's important to know how to care for your custom woodworking furniture properly. Here are some tips to keep your pieces looking great for years to come.
First, you need to consider the type of finish used on your piece of furniture. You can refer to your invoice or contact us to learn what type of finish was used on your piece. If your piece has a natural finish, it is likely we used our favourite product, Rubio Monocoat (RMC) 2C Pure. If your piece was stained, it was likely protected with a polyurethane top coat.
If your piece was finished with RMC 2C Pure:
RMC is a high-quality finish that is environmentally friendly and durable. To care for products finished with RMC 2C, it is important to avoid using chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning. Instead, use a soft cloth or microfibre duster to dust regularly. If spills occur, clean them up immediately with a slightly damp cloth. RMC is resistant to water, but it is important to avoid letting water sit on the surface for an extended period.
When you want to give your piece a good clean, it is essential to use the right product for the job. Store-bought cleaning products can be damaging to the finish and wear it out faster, although, truthfully, on our Rubio finished products we use at home haven't been noticeably effected by the use of an all-purpose cleaner or soapy water. However, we want your products to remaining looking as good as the day you got it. That's why we include a free bottle of concentrated RMC soap - a cleaner specially formulated for the finish we love and use. The soap removes all dirt and grease thoroughly, without affecting the mat, natural look of the wood. With proper care, products finished with Rubio Monocoat Pure 2C can maintain their beauty and quality for years to come. If your product was finished with a coloured RMC product, the same instructions above apply.
If your product was finished with Polyurethane:
Polyurethane is a durable and popular finish for wood products such as furniture, flooring, and cabinets due to its durability and resistance to scratches and stains.. Caring for products finished with polyurethane is relatively simple. Regular dusting with a soft cloth or microfiber duster will help prevent scratches and maintain its shine. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish. If spills occur, clean them up immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel. When cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution or a cleaner specifically designed for polyurethane. Finally, avoid exposing polyurethane-finished products to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause fading and damage to the finish.
A generic guide for caring for solid wood furniture:
1. Dust Regularly
The first step to caring for your custom woodworking furniture is to dust it regularly. This will remove any surface dirt or dust and prevent it from scratching the surface. Use a soft cloth or feather duster to remove dust from the surface of your furniture. Avoid using abrasive materials as they can damage the finish of your furniture.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can cause wood to fade over time. So, it's important to avoid placing your custom woodworking furniture in direct sunlight. If you can't avoid it, consider using window treatments or placing a tablecloth over the surface of the table to protect it.
3. Use Coasters
When placing glasses or other items on your custom woodworking furniture, try to use coasters. This will prevent water rings and other stains from damaging the wood. If you spill something on the surface, clean it up as soon as possible with a soft cloth.
4. Clean with Care
When it's time to clean your custom woodworking furniture, be sure to use a gentle cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the wood. Be sure to use the right product for your finish. Be sure to wring out the cloth before cleaning and dry the surface immediately after cleaning.
5. Consider refinishing
Periodically refinishing your wood furniture can help extend its lifespan and maintain its beauty and quality over time. Over the years, wood furniture can become scratched, stained, and faded due to normal wear and tear. Refinishing can help repair and restore the surface, removing any scratches or stains and bringing back the original colour and shine.
Choosing to refinish your wood furniture sooner rather than later can be a wise investment in protecting the wood beneath the finish. By refinishing before the actual wood is affected, you can prevent damage to the underlying wood, rather than just repairing the protective coating. Refinishing can help protect the wood from damage, including from exposure to moisture, UV radiation, and temperature changes. This can be especially important for high-use furniture pieces, such as dining tables or desks.
Finally, refinishing can also be an opportunity to update the look of your furniture, whether by choosing a new finish or even a new colour. Overall, periodic refinishing can be an investment in the longevity and beauty of your wood furniture.
6. Watch for Scratches
Over time, scratches can occur on the surface of your custom woodworking furniture. While some scratches may add character, others may need to be repaired. For minor scratches, consider using a scratch repair kit specifically designed for wood furniture. For deeper scratches or damage, feel free to contact us on how to handle the situation.
7. Enjoy Your Furniture
The most important tip for caring for your custom woodworking furniture is to enjoy it! Use it for meals, family gatherings, and other special occasions. The more you use it, the more memories it will hold and the more special it will become.
In conclusion, caring for your custom woodworking furniture is easy and essential for keeping it looking great for years to come. By following these tips, you can enjoy your furniture and pass it down to future generations.