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Mature
hardwoods supply the nation, and much of the world, with timber used
for everything from railroad ties to quality furnishings. U.S.
hardwoods are coveted the world over for their warmth and lasting
beauty in furniture, cabinetry, millwork and flooring. In finished
products, hardwoods are the purest expression of nature. They are
not synthetic nor are they engineered. Their beauty is not skin
deep, And, thanks to responsible stewardship of America's hardwood
forestlands, their supply is abundant and perpetually renewing.
Hardwoods are
such broad-leafed trees as oak and walnut, cherry and maple, hickory
and poplar, and dozens of other species. Each autumn their green
leaves burst into brilliant symphonies of amber, orange, magenta,
and thousands of hues in between.
Hardwoods grow
prolifically, reaching maturity at about 80 years. When harvested,
they often begin a second life as home furnishings that we can
cherish for generations.
 Just
as each tree is different from the next, so, too are hardwood
products individually unique. Hardwoods are characterized by an
infinite variety of grains and distinctive textures. Trees grow
limbs that fall off as the tree matures. What remains is a knot on
the hardwood surface. These natural markings add character to the
woods appearance and have absolutely no effect on the wood's
durability and stability.
Care & Cleaning Tips
 With proper
care your solid hardwood furniture can give you a lifetime of
service and beauty. Here are some tips that will enhance your solid
hardwood investment:
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Keep out of
direct continued sunlight and away from heat sources such as heating
ducts, fireplaces and radiators.
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Maintain a
humidity-controlled environment of 40-45% humidity. In winter, use a
humidifier; in summer use a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
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Use coasters
with non-scratching bottoms and padding under all sharp, hot, or
cold objects.
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Store table
leaves in or close to the table to maintain consistent environmental
conditions.
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Avoid the use
of nail polish remover, alcohol or other solvents near furniture.
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Dust often and
carefully with a soft cloth following the grain pattern to remove
abrasive dust particles.
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Periodically
clean with a mild, non-alkaline soap and water. Use the suds in a
damp sponge or cloth, but be sure to pre-test the solution on an
out-of-sight section to make sure it doesn't harm the finish. Dry
immediately with soft cloth and buff lightly, following the grain.
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Avoid wax and
polishes that contain any silicones! Catalyzed heat and moisture
resistant finishes don't need additional polish, but if you want to
use a polish we carry an excellent line of furniture care, repair,
and polishing products that we highly recommend.
Furniture First Aid
Here are some
common problems and remedies. Always test these remedies in a small,
out of sight area first to assure the remedy doesn't harm the
finish.
Water Marks:
Rings are often in the wax, not in the finish. Cover the ring with a
clean thick blotter and press down with a warm iron. Repeat as
needed. Or rub with salad oil, mayonnaise or white toothpaste, wipe
dry.
White Marks:
Rub with cloth dipped in a mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon
juice or salad oil. Or rub with a cloth dipped in lighter fluid,
followed by a mixture of rottenstone and salad oil. Wipe dry.
Milk or
Alcohol: Rub in a paste of boiled linseed oil and rottenstone
with the grain, substituting pumice for dull finishes.
Cigarette
Burns: Minor burns can be fixed by rubbing with a paste of
linseed oil and rottenstone, working with the grain until the burn
disappears.
Heat Marks:
Rub along the grain with a dry steel wool soap pad, extra fine
(0000) steel wool or cloth dampened with camphorated oil or mineral
spirits.
Nail Polish:
Blot out the spill immediately. Then rub with fine steel wood (0)
dipped in Guardsman Furniture Polish. Wipe dry.
Paint:
If fresh, remove latex pain with water and oil based mineral
spirits. If dry, soak spot in boiled linseed oil, wait until soft
and carefully remove with putty knife or cloth dampened with boiled
linseed oil. Remove residue by rubbing along the grain with a paste
of linseed oil and rottenstone. Wipe dry.
Sticking
Paper: Dampen the paper thoroughly with salad oil, wait five
minutes and rub along the grain with extra fine (0000) steel wool
dipped in mineral spirits. Wipe dry.
Wax or Gum:
Harden the substance by holding an ice cube wrapped in a cloth
against it. Pry off with fingernail. Rub the area with extra fine
(0000) steel wool dipped in mineral spirits. Wipe dry. |
