Care
Avoid
extremes of humidity and temperature, which accelerate cracking and checking of
finish, and loosen joints and veneer. Do not set beverage glasses, vases of
flowers, etc. on surfaces without coaster or mat protection.
Cleaning
Vacuum
or dust with a soft cloth. Occasionally use a cloth just barely dampened with
solvent-based cleaning wax to wipe the surface to pick up more dust, and
immediately wipe with a dry cloth or soft paper towel. Do not use spray waxes
and polishes on surfaces as they will leave a higher gloss and some silicone
which may make future refinishing more difficult.
Occasionally
wax with paste (carnauba) wax. Rub on a very light coat with a soft cloth with
the grain of the wood (or put a lump of wax inside a few layers of folded cheesecloth
and rub onto wood thus preventing heavy smears); then buff at once with soft
cloth, turning often, until wax coating is hard. (Old cotton tee-shirts are
good.) Be sure all wax is completely buffed until hard to avoid smears and
streaks. Here a small electric polisher is a great "arm-saver" on all
smooth surfaces; wipe surface gently with clean soft cloth after applying wax
to remove any loosened soil and then let set several minutes (following wax
label directions) before power buffing. An occasional re-buffing will renew the
soft gloss. Paste wax helps cover small cracks and checks in old finishes, and
can easily be removed with solvent when desired.
Antiques that have been refinished
Antiques that have been refinished should be treated according to type of
finish. Since old finishes may be affected by cleaning treatments, always test
the first time on any inconspicuous place on furniture to be sure it is
compatible with finish. Generally, the above treatments are satisfactory.
