Vermont Precision Woodworks
Furniture Care Instructions
Climate Control
Did you know that freshly sawn wood contains more than 50 percent water? To prepare the wood
for crafting into furniture, we carefully dry the wood to reduce the moisture content to a level
which allows it to acclimate to the average relative humidity in most homes.
The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air as it responds to climatic
changes in your home. Like your skin, wood is porous. It responds to extremely dry air by losing
moisture and shrinking a bit. This will correct itself as the relative humidity rises and the wood
absorbs enough moisture to expand slightly. These natural changes, however, do not affect the
furniture’s quality or sturdiness.
The Ideal Environment
Wood furniture is best maintained at a temperature of between 65 and 75 degrees, with a relative
humidity between 35 and 40 percent.
Avoid placing fine wood furniture near heat or air-conditioning outlets. Exposure to extreme
temperature variations can damage any fine wood pieces, including variations caused by
humidifiers, fireplaces or space heaters.
Sticking Drawers
During humid weather, wood drawer fronts may swell and become difficult to open and close.
Although we engineer the tolerances to allow for normal expansion, extreme conditions may
cause drawers to stick. An easy remedy is to rub candle wax or paraffin on the drawer sides and
bottom runners. However, if the humidity remains high over a long period, consider using a
dehumidifier. When the air becomes drier, drawers will naturally stop sticking.
Storage
Do not store furniture in damp basements or hot attics. Allow for plenty of air movement around the furniture,
and do not stack it.
Direct Sunlight
Do not expose furniture to continuous direct sunlight. With extended exposure, ultraviolet rays can create
hairline cracks in the finish or cause fading or darkening. We recommend arranging away from direct sunlight
and using window treatments to block the sun's rays. Please note that some wood species darken naturally
with age. Such darkening is not considered a quality defect.
Protecting Your Furniture
Our lacquer finishes are designed to enhance the beauty of the wood and offer some protection. However,
your furniture is still a natural wood product and, even in the most casual lifestyle, will require certain
precautions to prolong its beauty.
Take Simple Precautions
- Don't put anything hot directly on furniture. If your furniture happens to get burnt, seek the help of a
furniture repair specialist.
- Use non-synthetic doilies or felt pads under lamps and accessories. Use a protective pad when writing with
a ballpoint pen. Use coasters under hot and cold beverages.
- Protect the surface when working with items which could stain or damage the wood, such as crayons,
markers and glue. Note that potpourri and scented accessories may contain oils that can, on contact, cause
damage to finishes.
- Avoid excessive scratching by lifting objects instead of dragging them across wood surfaces.
Avoid Plastics and Rubber
Avoid leaving plastic tablecloths and placemats on a wood surface for extended periods of time. Chemical
components in the plastic can damage finishes. Affix felt discs on the contact points of computer equipment,
alarm clocks, lamps, telephones and other desktop items. The plastic, rubber or nylon feet on these items
may contain chemicals that can migrate into the finish, causing indentations, softening and discoloration.
Even plastic toys left on shelves for extended periods can cause damage to the finish, if not protected.
If damage occurs, seek the expertise of a furniture repair specialist.
Allow the Wood to Breathe
The fine lacquer finish on your wood furniture needs to "breathe" to maintain its appearance and durability. It
should have exposure to the air, rather than being covered for extended periods of time. Please take the
following precautions:
- Periodically move desktop components such as computer equipment, audio/video components, clocks,
staplers, etc.
- Rotate accessories or other items placed on the furniture. This includes items placed on desks, sofa tables,
nightstands, bookshelves, hutches, and anyplace where items are stationary for extended periods of time.
Placing felt discs on the bottom of accessory items can help to prevent indentations as well.
- Felt discs should also be used on the corners at the bottom of an upper unit which will sit on top of a base
such as a bookcase, hutch, etc.
Polishing
In addition to regular dusting, wood surfaces also benefit from occasional polishing to remove smudges and
particles and enhance the appearance of the piece.
Although it won't hurt the finish to do it more often, we recommend polishing only two or three times a year,
depending on use. Over-polishing can detract from the appearance of the finish.
Here is the recommended polishing procedure:
- Dispense the polish onto a clean, white, lint-free cloth, preferably of natural fiber such as cotton. Use the
polish sparingly -- a little goes a long way.
- Wipe the polish onto the furniture following the direction of the grain. Wipe off excess polish with the other
side of the cloth, or a second cloth, if needed.
- Avoid excessive rubbing. Excessive rubbing can actually be detrimental to matte finishes, as it causes
uneven shine.
Avoid furniture polish that contains silicone. Silicone can damage the finish by softening it, and it clogs the
wood's pores, making repairs difficult.
Waxing
We do not recommend waxing wood furniture. Today's fine lacquer finishes do not benefit from the waxing,
and wax buildup can grey the wood finish.
Minor Touch Up and Repair
Minor damage to wood furniture can be repaired with the right materials and some careful attention to detail.
Scratches and Nicks
Furniture Touch-Up Pencils are available in most hardware stores and are designed to blend with each finish.
When a minor scratch occurs exposing the natural wood underneath, you can use the Touch-Up Pencil to
color in the scratch so that it is less noticeable.
- Stroke the felt tip gently over the scratch in the direction of the grain.
- Immediately rub off excess colorant with a soft cloth.
If the scratch or dent penetrates deep into the surface, seek the expertise of a furniture repair specialist.
Water Marks
Often, water marks will dissipate over time. If after a month the mark is still there, apply a small amount of
salad oil or mayonnaise to a clean, white cloth and rub on the mark, rubbing with the grain. Wipe dry and
polish if needed.
Heat Marks
Rub very gently along the grain, using a dry, extra-fine (0000) steel wool pad * or coat the area with salad oil
or mayonnaise, and wipe clean with a soft, clean cloth. Follow with polish.
Sticking Paper
Dampen the paper thoroughly with salad oil, wait a few minutes and rub gently along the grain with extra-fine
(0000) steel wool *. Wipe dry and polish.
*Extra-fine steel wool (0000) is available at hardware stores. Do not use steel wool pads designed for
scrubbing pots and pans.
Note: These are suggested methods. Individual results may vary. Always test your remedy on an
inconspicuous area to make sure it does not damage the finish.
Spills and Stains
As careful as you may be, accidents do happen. Some spills may blot up quickly and easily, others may
penetrate the wood in seconds. For most spills, quick action can reduce the possibility of damage. Here is a
guide to immediate care of spills and stains:
Food Stains: Butter, mayonnaise, ketchup and a variety of juices can leave a slight penetrating stain. Wipe up
the spill immediately and polish with a soft, clean cloth.
Candle Wax or Gum: Harden fresh candle drippings with an ice cube wrapped in plastic; then gently pop up
the wax with a non-stick spatula or credit card. Remove any residue with furniture cleaner, allow the surface
to dry and then follow up with polish.
Alcohol: Many liquids containing alcohol -- cocktails, colognes, medicine and other household fluids -- will
dissolve the finish on contact. Let all such spills air dry. If damage results, seek the expertise of a furniture
repair specialist.
Paint: Water-based paints should be wiped up immediately with a damp, clean cloth. Oil-based paint should
be allowed to dry and then pushed away gently with a non-stick spatula or credit card.
Nail Polish and Polish Remover: These are dangerous solvents. If a spill occurs, do not rub or wipe it, but blot
immediately and let the surface dry. If damage has occurred, seek the expertise of a furniture repair
specialist.
Aligning your Wood Furniture
Our furniture is constructed to sit in a level position -- all doors and drawers are evenly aligned when the
furniture leaves the factory. However, most homes have variations in floor level caused by age, type of
construction, carpeting, etc., which may result in misalignment of your furniture.
Over time, you may find it necessary to adjust the levelers again if doors or drawers become uneven. This
happens as your furniture settles into the carpeting, or when you place heavy objects, such as televisions or
computer equipment, in or on your furniture. Moving your furniture will often require leveling adjustments.
Moving Furniture
Whether it's across the country or only across the room, special care must be taken when moving fine
furniture. Here are the procedures we recommend:
- Remove all knobs and casters. Tape them inside a drawer or within an envelope so they'll be close at hand
when unpacking.
- Remove any adjustable wood shelves and wrap them separately.
- Close and secure all drawers and doors by covering with a mover's pad or blanket and tying loosely.
- Protect corners, projecting details and handles with padding or foam.
- Screw levelers all the way in before moving.
- Lift all furniture -- sliding and dragging can bend or break legs.
- Prior to relocating, disassemble larger cabinets, such as armoires and home entertainment centers.
- Be aware that moving to a different climate can have an effect on the furniture. See the Climate Control
section above.
Download the Furniture Care Sheet
|