Care of You Lacquered Furniture
Fine furniture, like all fine things, deserve to be treated with respect. Properly cared for furniture will actually grow more beautiful with the passage of time. The most beautiful finishes are neither alcohol-proof nor completely waterproof..and are especially vulnerable to nail polish and polish remover. Hot objects should never be placed on finished surfaces without proper protection, Furniture should not be subject to humidity or excessive dryness and whenever possible avoid direct sunlight.
This waxing provides an excellent protective coating
Lacquer has microscopic pores that will permit moisture to penetrate if water is allowed to remain on it for for more than a few hours.This moisture will swell the wood fibers and thus damage the finish. Wax will provide a protective coating, as it tends to fill in theses small pores in the lacquer. Wax also minimizes the wear and abrasion of everyday use, protecting the finish from human perspiration on the surfaces that come in contact with the body. After the initial waxing of new furniture should be re-waxed at least twice a year with a good paste wax. We have tested three paste waxes that have proved satisfactory; Johnson's, Simonize and Old English. The instructions of the wax manufacturer should be accurately followed- most people are inclined to apply too much wax at one time over too large an area.
Waxing procedure we have found to be very satisfactory
It is usually desirable to use a cleaning polish, such as Guardsman's Polish or Parker's Perfect Polish- one that does not contain silicon. Polishes and wax preparations of the aerosol type generally do contain silicons even though this fact might not be stated on the label.
Do not use preparations containing silicons or oily polishes
(e.g. aerosols)
Many polishes and wax preparations containing silicons have become very popular in recent years because of their ease of application. However, silicons produce a shiny gloss surface that most discriminating people do not like to see on antiques and fine reproductions. Admittedly, its more work to use the paste wax, but we believe that people who love fine traditional furniture will find that the beautiful results achieved will more than repay them for the extra effort (also, the use of silicons make refinishing infinitely more complicated). In addition, we strongly advise against the use of lemon oil and other oily polishes, as these preparations may damage the lacquer, and also tend to accelerate the accumulation of dust and grit.
Should you accidentally spill perfume or nail polish remover...........
On a piece of furniture, do not wipe it off......because this will remove the finish down to the bare wood. Our own experiments indicate if you allow the perfume or nail polish remover to evaporate untouched, the finish will remain largely intact, When thoroughly dry, rub the distressed area lightly with fine steel wool and apply a coat of paste wax over the surface. This will make the spot less objectionable. However, nothing short of a refinishing job can entirely eliminate the effects of the accident.
PAINT FINISHES
Waxes or polishes should not be used on paint finishes
These products tend to yellow the finish and may produce undesirable shine. Clean only with a cloth dampened with a minimum amount of mild soap and warm water. It is most important that you never use abrasive cleaners on paint finishes. Gilt Metal Leaf should be only wiped with a dry cloth, as liquids will in time remove the protective coating applied to the Gilt Metal Leaf.
IMPORTANT: Pieces with hand applied finishes - even though they are in the "same finish" - are never identical in color or antiquing....
because of the human element involved in applying the texture, antiquing and distressing. In addition, with the passage of time, all light-colored paint finishes will invariably turn yellow with exposure to ultra violet light and air.
This waxing provides an excellent protective coating
Lacquer has microscopic pores that will permit moisture to penetrate if water is allowed to remain on it for for more than a few hours.This moisture will swell the wood fibers and thus damage the finish. Wax will provide a protective coating, as it tends to fill in theses small pores in the lacquer. Wax also minimizes the wear and abrasion of everyday use, protecting the finish from human perspiration on the surfaces that come in contact with the body. After the initial waxing of new furniture should be re-waxed at least twice a year with a good paste wax. We have tested three paste waxes that have proved satisfactory; Johnson's, Simonize and Old English. The instructions of the wax manufacturer should be accurately followed- most people are inclined to apply too much wax at one time over too large an area.
Waxing procedure we have found to be very satisfactory
- Before each waxing, furniture should be thoroughly cleaned(but not scrubbed). Use a dampened cloth or sponge(not soaked) with a solution of mild soap and warm water. This will remove any oil and excess wax accumulated.
- Be sure to remove completely any trace of soap left on the furniture from washing it.
- The furniture should then be allowed to dry thoroughly (for at least a half-hour) before the new coat of paste wax is applied.
- The paste wax can be applied more easily if the cloth is slightly dampened with water; and only a small amount of wax is applied to the cloth- just enough to leave a thin film of wax on the cloth. Apply the wax to the furniture in the same direction as the grain of wood, covering only one small are at a time (approximately one to two square feet area).
- After the wax has been permitted to "set" a few minutes, buff with a dry clean cloth. Important: Do not allow the wax to "set" too long before buffing, as this may cause it to "cake".
It is usually desirable to use a cleaning polish, such as Guardsman's Polish or Parker's Perfect Polish- one that does not contain silicon. Polishes and wax preparations of the aerosol type generally do contain silicons even though this fact might not be stated on the label.
Do not use preparations containing silicons or oily polishes
(e.g. aerosols)
Many polishes and wax preparations containing silicons have become very popular in recent years because of their ease of application. However, silicons produce a shiny gloss surface that most discriminating people do not like to see on antiques and fine reproductions. Admittedly, its more work to use the paste wax, but we believe that people who love fine traditional furniture will find that the beautiful results achieved will more than repay them for the extra effort (also, the use of silicons make refinishing infinitely more complicated). In addition, we strongly advise against the use of lemon oil and other oily polishes, as these preparations may damage the lacquer, and also tend to accelerate the accumulation of dust and grit.
Should you accidentally spill perfume or nail polish remover...........
On a piece of furniture, do not wipe it off......because this will remove the finish down to the bare wood. Our own experiments indicate if you allow the perfume or nail polish remover to evaporate untouched, the finish will remain largely intact, When thoroughly dry, rub the distressed area lightly with fine steel wool and apply a coat of paste wax over the surface. This will make the spot less objectionable. However, nothing short of a refinishing job can entirely eliminate the effects of the accident.
PAINT FINISHES
Waxes or polishes should not be used on paint finishes
These products tend to yellow the finish and may produce undesirable shine. Clean only with a cloth dampened with a minimum amount of mild soap and warm water. It is most important that you never use abrasive cleaners on paint finishes. Gilt Metal Leaf should be only wiped with a dry cloth, as liquids will in time remove the protective coating applied to the Gilt Metal Leaf.
IMPORTANT: Pieces with hand applied finishes - even though they are in the "same finish" - are never identical in color or antiquing....
because of the human element involved in applying the texture, antiquing and distressing. In addition, with the passage of time, all light-colored paint finishes will invariably turn yellow with exposure to ultra violet light and air.
Finishing Touch Studio~7105 Otto Rd~Plant City, Fl 33567
941-567-7710
Office Hours~Monday- Friday
sharkbite1947@yahoo.com
941-567-7710
Office Hours~Monday- Friday
sharkbite1947@yahoo.com