Curing & Durability of Varnish
When you receive your furniture the finish is 80% cured. This is similar to cement, it is hard, protective, and ready to use right away, however, it takes an additional 3-4 weeks for the final natural hardening of the surface.
Abrasion & Scratching
Catalyzed varnish is tough, but not bulletproof. There will be scratches and dents along the way if you use your furniture, but there are ways to avoid this. Do not slide items across furniture, make sure to lift and move. Sliding dishes or cups that have a rough bottom will scratch the surface. Customer assumes all liability for damage of varnish caused by misuse of furniture.
Spills & Water Rings
Blot up spills immediately. The surface finish provides a tight web of protection that makes most spills that would ruin a normal lacquer finish not a problem. However, moisture for an extended period of time can cause slight discoloration that, with time, will, in most cases disappear. Try to avoid this by blotting up any spills as soon as they happen.
Extreme Heat
Avoid placing extremely hot items on the surface, especially in the first 3-4 weeks after delivery. At anytime you should never take anything directly out of a microwave or oven and put directly on your furniture. The average heat out of a microwave is 211°F. Catalyzed varnish is tested to withstand temperatures up to140°F.
Natural Darkening
Darkening of wood will naturally occur over time. Especially with a natural or light colors.
Humidity and Temperature
Changes in the relative humidity – especially sudden changes – are the biggest concern for wood furniture. Experts suggest that the ideal range of temperature for wood furniture is 70 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels kept between 40 and 60 percent. If exposed to relative humidity in excess of 70%, wood may swell causing the furniture and finishes to crack. Wood furniture will dry out and crack if the relative humidity remains below 40% for an extended period of time. It may be necessary to add a humidifier in some environments to maintain the beauty of your furniture.
Cleaning
Care for your furniture with Spotless Hospitality Furniture & Glass Cleanser. It is formulated, specifically, to maintain the beauty and luster of furniture that has been finished with catalyzed varnish, but works on all finishes and wood species. Clean your furniture regularly with Spotless Hospitality Furniture & Glass Cleanser to remove dust, fingerprints, grease and food residue. Spotless Hospitality Furniture & Glass Cleanser can be used to clean wood, glass, vinyl, granite, and many other hard surfaces. Great for streak-free windows!
Products to Avoid
Please do not clean or polish your wood furniture with products that contain additives that will damage varnish over time. These additives include but are not limited to:
Wax – Produces a buildup on wood furniture that will react to moisture, heat and solvents causing hazing or blushing that would not typically occur on a clean surface
Silicone – Produces a buildup on wood furniture that will react to moisture, heat and solvents causing hazing or blushing that would not typically occur on a clean surface
Ammonia – Softens all finishes with repeated use making furniture sticky and causing deterioration of varnish
Alkyl – A lubricant that causes defects to varnished wood surfaces and makes it virtually impossible to refinish them if they need fixed. A common ingredient in all-purpose cleaners
Bleach/Chlorine – Bleach is considered a chlorine-based corrosive substance. Not intended for porous surfaces like wood
Disinfectants – Any cleaning product described as a disinfectant. Disinfectants are intended for solid surfaces like metal, ceramic and stone. They typically contain ingredients listed above as products to avoid
Bathroom, Stainless Steel, and Other Solid Surface Cleaning Agents – Typically contain ingredients listed above as products to avoid
Wood surfaces are porous and subject to damage if these type of agents are applied. Please have your desired wood furniture cleaning agent approved by CIX Direct before use. We will be happy to examine and advise if it would be suitable. Customer assumes all liability for varnish damage caused by use of unapproved cleaning agents.
To order Spotless Hospitality® cleaning products, call Woodwright® at 1.800.322.8172