CARING FOR YOUR FURNITURE

N.B: this is information is appropriate with most materials used within Lindsay Furniture Design, unless otherwise stated.

Wood is hygroscopic which means the material will take up or let out moisture depending on the environment it is placed in.

The finish which has been applied acts as a skin and can be damaged by a number of environmental factors. Also the finish not being a complete barrier, allows the underlying wood to “breath” and take up and give out moisture as the humidity/temperature changes. The main environmental factors to be aware of are: - Sunlight, Heat, Humidity, Liquids and Abrasives.

Sunlight: If possible avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight. Sunlight is a powerful source of energy and may bleach certain woods and finishes while darkening others. If sunlight cannot be avoided try to minimise the exposure and any articles placed on the surface of the piece should be regularly moved to avoid local changes, which might disfigure the surface. The ultraviolet radiation may also over time degrade the finish leading to crazing of the surface.

Heat: Avoid extremes of temperature. The wood in your furniture has been dried so that the moisture content lies between 8% and 12%, suitable for most centrally heated homes. If however the temperature is allowed to rise above a comfortable level for long periods, or if the furniture is placed directly in front of a heat source (fire/radiator) the wood will give up more of its moisture causing it to shrink and doors may become ill-fitting and cracks may appear in severe cases.

Humidity: Changes in humidity affect the moisture content within the wood. An extremely dry atmosphere causes the wood to shrink whilst a moist one (e.g. within an unventilated bathroom) will allow the wood to swell. The effects of humidity are intensified when they are also associated with changes in temperature.

Liquids: Avoid spillages onto furniture surfaces. If a spillage occurs wipe up the liquid immediately with a soft damp cloth, in the direction of the wood grain. Some liquids (nail polish remover etc) can damage the finish layer and may require the surface to be re-finished.

Abrasives: Do not use abrasive or aggressive cleaners, bleach, or other hypochlorite (chlorine) based cleaners, dilutes, solvent or similar products. Do not use silicone based products or waxes that leave a sticky residue.

Cleaning: Lacquer finishes, paint finishes/ Use 5% soap, 95% water (liquid soap) solution wiping with a damp cloth, finally drying with a soft clean lint free cloth. Dust with a soft lint free cloth only, following the grain pattern of the wood.