OILED FINISH:

The wood is left untreated (no stain is applied) and natural linseed oil is placed on the surface. Due to the fact that there is no wax or varnish used with this finish the wood is porous and therefore will absorb liquids when spilled. This finish is used to enhance the natural beauty of the wood so all colour variations are part of the look and not considered faults.

WAXED FINISH:

Waxed finishes are generally used on surfaces that have had a stain applied, a light coat of varnish is used to seal in the colour of the stain, then wax is used to give the furniture an authentic look. The waxed finish is less porous than the oiled so will hold liquid on the surface.

LACQUERED FINISH:

This finish is applied in layers, building up a protective layer that is either a gloss finish or a matt finish. This finish is used on either natural or stained wood. It is not porous therefore all liquid will sit on the surface of the wood.

WOOD CARE

Wood is an eternally living material. In damp conditions it expands and in dry conditions or intense heat it retracts. This retracting will leave areas that are lighter in colour or cracks in the middle of panels. It is advised not to place pieces of furniture next to a heat source, or in a room which is either far too dry or far too damp. As with all wooden furniture we always advise our customers to avoid putting very hot objects on the wood and always try to use coasters or mats.

OILED FINISH CARE:

For oiled furniture you should use natural linseed oil which is available in any D.I.Y store or from Surroundings. The linseed oil available from Surroundings has been boiled, improving drying time which otherwise is roughly seven days to be completely absorbed into the wood. Oiling does not need to be carried out every month, we recommend you oil at least once every three months (depending on the heat or dampness in the room as well as the placement of the table) or when you think the wood is looking dry or not its best. The oiled finish is porous so it is expected that from time to time marks will appear, you can use very fine wire wool rubbing along the grain of the wood and the mark should lift out although this will depend on the severity of the stain. Once you have used the wire wool you should re-oil the surface.

WAXED FINISH CARE:

With the waxed finish it is best to use natural beeswax available from many D.I.Y stores as well as directly from Surroundings. Under no circumstances should any spray or silicone based products be used on the wood. Waxing should be carried out whenever the furniture is not looking its best (again depending on room temperature as well as placement) and in the case of those items in more constant use we advise you wax more often to keep up the protective layer on the surface. Although this finish is not porous all liquid spilled should be cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid any marks forming.

LACQUERED FINISH CARE:

Natural beeswax can be used on this surface, again placement and room conditions will differ from home to home and those items in more frequent use should be waxed more often. Alternatively, we suggest that a wet cloth is used to wipe down the surface and then a dry cloth to absorb excess liquid. This choice of finish is so well protected is does not need a lot of maintenance or products applied. We always advise that when small children are eating at a lacquered table a cloth or mat is placed on the table as if the finish is repeatedly knocked with a hard object it will indent the lacquer.