Care & Restoration

Caring for and restoring wood furniture is essential for maintaining its beauty and longevity. Proper care can transform an aging piece into one that looks refreshed and new. Here are some tips on both care and restoration:

Care Tips for Wood Furniture:
1. Dust Regularly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dust your furniture. This prevents airborne particles from scratching the wood surface.

2. Use Coasters: Protect the surface from water rings and spots by always using coasters under glasses and mugs.

3. Lift, Don’t Drag: If you need to move a piece of furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it to avoid scratches and potential structural damage.

4. Maintain Humidity Levels: Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain consistent levels in your home, ideally between 40% and 60%.

5. Avoid Chemicals: Keep your furniture away from harsh chemicals and cleaning products which can damage the finish.

Restoration Tips for Wood Furniture:
1. Clean Thoroughly: Before starting any restoration, clean the piece. Use a mild dishwashing detergent diluted in water. After cleaning, wipe the piece with a damp cloth and then a dry one.

2. Assess the Damage: Check for scratches, dents, or stains. Determine if you need a simple touch-up, a new finish, or a complete refinish. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Support Team-- support@consdan.com.

3. Touch-up Marks: For small scratches or dings, you can often use a touch-up marker or wax pencil that matches the color of your furniture.

4. Refinishing: If the furniture's finish is heavily damaged, you might consider stripping it down and applying a new stain and finish. This is a more involved process and may require more advanced skills and tools.

5. Fix Loose Joints: Over time, wood furniture may develop loose joints due to factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and general wear. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you repair these joints:

Materials:
-Wood glue (preferably waterproof, especially if the board or countertop will be around moisture)
-Clamps (Bar clamps or C-clamps work best)
-Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
-Clean cloths or paper towels
-Mineral oil (for finishing)
Instructions:
1)Clean the Area: Before you start, make sure the butcher block is clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any debris and dry it thoroughly.
2)Open the Loose Joint: Gently pry apart the loose joint just enough to apply the glue.
3)Apply Wood Glue: Use a small brush or the nozzle of the glue bottle to apply a generous amount of wood glue inside the joint. Make sure to coat both sides of the joint for a strong bond.
4)Close the Joint: Push the joint back together. Wipe away any excess glue that oozes out using a clean cloth or paper towel.
5)Clamp the Joint: Place clamps on the butcher block to hold the joint tightly together. Ensure the clamps are tight enough to close the joint completely but not so tight that they cause damage or warp the wood.
6)Allow to Dry: Leave the clamps in place and allow the glue to dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer, typically 24 hours.
7)Sand the Area: Once the glue has dried, if there's any unevenness or residual glue on the surface, sand the area starting with the 120-grit sandpaper and then move to the 220-grit for a smoother finish.
8)Clean and Condition: Wipe away any sanding dust with a damp cloth. Once the area is clean and dry, apply a generous amount of mineral oil or butcher block conditioner to the entire surface. This will help to protect the wood and restore its luster.
9)Regular Maintenance: To extend the life of your butcher block countertop or cutting board, ensure you oil or condition it regularly, avoid standing water, and always clean up spills promptly.
Instructions:

6. Rehydrate Dry Wood: If wood appears dry or pale, you can rehydrate it with mineral oil or boiled linseed oil. These penetrate the wood and can revitalize its appearance.

7. Remove White Rings: If a hot or wet mug has left a white ring, you can often remove it by applying a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water, rubbing gently with a cloth. Another method is to use a hair dryer on low heat, moving it back and forth over the mark until it disappears.

8. Protect the Restored Piece: Once you've restored your furniture, protect it by using furniture wax or a protective sealant.

Restoring wood furniture can be deeply satisfying. Even if a piece looks beyond repair, with a little TLC, it might just become a cherished item in your home.