Best Practices to Care for Wood Furniture

It is best practice to keep solid wood pieces in stable environments. This is because solid wood “moves” with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity (as humidity rises, wood absorbs moisture and expands slightly; Similarly, as humidity drops, wood will release moisture and contract slightly). High Road Handcrafted uses techniques that allow for this normal seasonal movement, however it is important to keep your pieces in stable environments to minimize exposure to huge swings in temperature and humidity that can result in a lot of movement and potential warping, splitting, etc. (i.e., keep out of direct/harsh sunlight, damp basements/storage areas, outdoor weather, etc.). While this is not always ideal or possible, it is part of the nature of solid wood and with a little prevention you can be sure that your piece(s) will last for generations to come.

High Road Handcrafted uses only high-quality, professional-grade finishes that provide exceptional surface hardness and chemical and water resistance. However, no wood finish is bulletproof. Here are a couple tips to keep your finishes looking great for years to come:

General care for any type of finish:

Minimize direct contact with heat (avoid placing hot products on top and it could result in a heat mark)

• Use coasters (avoid leaving wet glass or drinks overnight)

• While different formulas/finishes have various resistances to vinegar, citrus juices, ketchup, coffee, cooking oils and different blends of alcohols, it is still recommended to clean up food and liquid spills relatively quickly.

• Don’t clean with any harsh chemicals or solvents. Warm, soapy water is always recommended as a first course of action for cleaning

• Use a mouse pad when using an external computer mouse.

• Normal sun exposure through windows is okay but know that slight ambering will occur over time in most transparent and semi-transparent finishes. This will be less noticeable with darker finishes.

Rubio Monocoat (Hardwax Oil)

If you have furniture finished with our popular Rubio Monocoat finish, they recommend using their natural soap on all of their products, found below. Note: a 1 liter bottle makes nearly 15 gallons of cleaning solution.

• Surface Care Cleaner is highly recommended to clean (https://www.rubiomonocoatusa.com/products/surface-care-spray). Other products may damage the finish.

  • Note: A great alternate is to simply use a damp cloth/towel to wipe and clean the surface (along with a mild soap as needed to spot treat)

• You can use “Renew” if the surface feels too dry or rough or when the finish has worn down due to heavy, prolonged use (https://www.rubiomonocoatusa.com/products/renew). Renew will maintain the original sheen.

• You can use Universal Maintenance Oil if you’d like to simultaneously increase the sheen and rejuvenate the piece (https://www.rubiomonocoatusa.com/products/universal-maintenance-oil). Note that once Universal Maintenance Oil has been applied to a surface, future maintenance must be performed using Universal Maintenance Oil.

• Repairing Scratches:

  • Rubio Monocoat oil bonding technology allows for an easy touch up of damaged areas or scratches:

    • Sand the repair area as needed to remove damage and expose raw wood (only if needed). Keep the perimeter as small as possible. We recommend using 120 grit followed by 180 grit sandpaper. Sand with the grain with moderate pressure. With the final 180 grit, use just enough pressure to knock the grain down so it is smooth to the touch.

    • Lightly dampen the area with water after using the 120 grit (not after the final 180 grit). Allow to completely dry before continuing.

    • Apply the oil with a cotton cloth (or white Scotch-Brite pad - preferred) with the same color oil that was used originally to coat the piece. Work the finish into the grain in a circular manner. You may use a cheaper sample bottle (about $5-8) for touch-ups. Note that the sample bottles don’t contain the accelerator and will take roughly 21 days to fully cure. This is acceptable for small areas.

    • Let it sit/react for 3-5 minutes. Wipe the excess oil off with a cloth that is lightly dampened with Monocoat Oil. Wipe completely dry.

    • If the spot appears dull (a slight sheen difference is to be expected), a second application the following day often helps. Lightly sand with a maroon Scotch-Brite pad and reapply.

Polyurethane

• After your finish has cured, the best way to clean is with a water-damp rag. If your surface requires deep cleaning due to grease or grime build-up, add a speck of a strong dish detergent, such as Dawn or a bit of vinegar to your damp rag.

• Avoid using oil-soap or silicone-based daily cleaners or dusting sprays. These products and the chemicals in other cleaners can contaminate your finish, preventing adhesion of future finishes.

Paint

General Cure Times: 

• Approximately 2-4 weeks in a normal, air-conditioned home.

  • During Cure Time: Be gentle. Use coasters and table cloths, avoid leaving wet glasses on the surface, avoid heat contact, etc. To clean, use a soft sponge lightly dampened with water, immediately followed by a gentle buffing with a soft cotton cloth that absorbs water and does not leave micro-scratches.

• After Cure Time: To clean, use a mild soap and water.