Care For Wood Dining Table
Fine Dining Tables Require Some Care
Care for wood dining tables is relatively easy. All bespoke wood dining tables are finished with my in-house custom oil/varnish blend. This wood table oil treatment has been carefully chosen and experimented with over many years to create an attractive and durable finish. Most commercial furniture finishes form a heavy “plasticy” film on the piece. When this finish degrades, it cracks and peels, which in turn requires the entire surface to be stripped before it can be reapplied. Instead of these unmaintainable and artificial finishes, I prefer to use an oil/varnish blend which will never crack or peel and can be easily maintained over the years by the customer.
Table Care Guide
Get the most from your custom dining table and help it last a lifetime.
Oil finishes harden over time…
Over the first few months, as the oil finish cures, you will want to be especially careful with heat and moisture and periodically move items sitting on the wood surface so the patina develops evenly.
Avoid water on your furniture for the first four weeks after delivery (the longer the better). After that time, a damp cloth can be used sparingly if necessary. Always follow up a damp cloth with a soft dry cloth.
Things To Avoid
Liquids: Try to wipe up spilled liquid immediately and use coasters underneath coffee mugs and water glasses.
Hot Pots and Dishes: Always protect the finish by using coasters and placemats underneath hot pots and dishes as excess heat can force moisture into the finish. That being said, if you do get a heat or water ring, these are easily remedied with maintenance.
Chemical Cleaning Agents: Harsh cleaners such as Pledge or Lysol or Clorox will damage the finish on your piece. A damp rag followed by a dry cloth will usually be good enough. If you require further cleaning, a PH neutral cleaner as part of the Furniture Care Kit is available for purchase.
Placement Over Heating Vents: Usually not such an issue with a dining table, but nevertheless, take note of any strong heat sources which could damage or warp the timber.
A furniture care kit is available for purchase from Lloyd Brooke Furniture for $25 plus postage. This includes maintenance oil, PH neutral cleaner, steel wool, sandpaper and rags to care for your furniture piece.
Cleaning your heirloom tables
1. Regular Cleaning
Place a small amount of the PH Neutral cleaner in a one litre spray bottle, dilute with water (avoid high concentrations) and spray lightly on the surface, wipe dry.
2. Water, Heat or Dirt Marks.
Small marks on the wood table top can be removed by lightly rubbing in the direction of the grain with 0000 steel wool for a few seconds. Then apply a thin coat of oil to the affected area as outlined below.
After allowing 24 hours of dry time, follow with a coat over the entire surface if necessary.
We stand for quality, and we are proud of it.
Apply a fresh coat of oil when necessary to retain the beauty of your hand made wood table. Re-apply the oil when the furniture loses its lustre using the following process:
Protect surrounding floors with a drop sheet or newspaper.
Wipe the entire table down with the grain using a damp cloth, and buff dry.
Lightly abrade the surface using 0000 steel wool (can be purchased from Bunnings in the paint department). Use the palm of the hand to establish an even pressure, rubbing in long strokes with the grain of the timber. 2-3 passes are all that’s necessary.
Wipe off dust with a soft dry cloth.
Fold up a tea towel-sized cloth to fit the palm of the hand. Apply the oil to the cloth. Apply the oil to the table “as wet as a dog’s nose”. Again, use the palm of the hand to establish an even pressure, rubbing in long strokes with the grain of the timber.
Fold the cloth over to remove the excess oil.
Buff off with a dry cloth. The timber should feel dry but slightly greasy, similar to a recently washed frying pan.
Let the wood dry for 24 hours before placing items on the newly oiled surface.