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There is
nothing like wood furniture to add elegance and beauty to a home. Whether it
is a thick, all-natural butchers block table, an Art Deco wooden dresser, a
simple mahogany dining room table or a sleek, modern coffee table, wood
furniture is a staple in homes across America and the world. Make sure your
wood tables, vanities and dressers stay gorgeous for generations to come
with these simple solutions and guidelines.
Stain, Stain, Go Away!
Ever gasped after a child inadvertently left a giant scratch in the surface
of your dining room table? Or cringed when a well-meaning adult accidentally
knocked over a drink onto your beautiful wood coffee table? Well, fear not.
One of the best attributes of wood furniture is that it is simple to touch
up or renew its original luster.
Small nicks and scratches can usually be disguised with the help of a
store-bought scratch cover product. For larger scratches, try using a felt
tip pen or shoe polish in a color closely matched to the finish of the
furniture piece. Shoe polish applicator bottles filled with the stain work
well for the cover-up job, as do Sharpie markers. Coloring in the scratch is
easy and surprisingly effective.
Remove or Disguise Scratches and Stains
Problem: Solution:
Nicks, Scratches Magic Marker or Shoe Polish
Water Spots Mayonnaise
Color Rings Sandpaper, Ashes and Oil
Wax Ice
An Ounce of Prevention, a Lifetime of Protection
Prevent serious damage to your wood furniture by taking care not to position
it in direct sunlight. Unless you are going for the weathered picnic table
look, shield all wood furniture from the drying influence of the sun. Also,
protect your dining room table’s finish using an inexpensive table pad when
the table is not in use.
When eating a meal or entertaining guests, use a tablecloth or placemats to
protect the finish of a wood table, especially when serving hot food. Place
hot serving dishes atop a hot pad and candle holders over a large felt
protector with a plastic top, since plastic prevents wax from running.
And what about candle wax, marring the beautiful finish of your wood
dining room table? Wait until the wax cools, then apply ice. Once the wax
becomes extremely hard and brittle, gently scrape it off with a plastic
spatula. Finally, polish the table with a rich cream polish, and buff away
any residue.
Use coasters beneath all glasses and mugs to protect your coffee table,
dining room table and wood dressers from unsightly rings and water spots.
Beware, because not all coasters are created equal. Metal coasters can sweat
onto the wood, and plastic coasters can react with certain finishes on some
wood furniture pieces. So consider choosing wooden coasters with felt
backing and a waterproof material on top to further ensure the longevity of
your wood table tops. The best coasters are those that taper up on the
sides, preventing leakage.
Make Your Own Polish and Cleaning Agents
Type: Mixture:
Homemade Wood Furniture Polish = 1 part Lemon Oil + 3 parts Olive Oil
Homemade Wood Furniture Cleaner = Hand Soap + Water
*Stay away from Alcohols and Ammonias
Now you are fully armed to properly care for your wood furniture. And don’t
be disheartened if you are unable to make a nick or small stain disappear
completely. Signs of use can add character to a piece of wood furniture, and
are often barely noticeable. Whether it is a dresser, coffee table,
bookshelf, desk, or dining room table, wood furniture is the perfect
addition to any home. |
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