
Care and Maintenance
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Our products are easy to clean - just use warm water with a soft microfiber cloth for daily usage, and an optional mild soap once a week if desired. Standard household or furniture cleaners are also suitable. However, avoid products that contain alcohol or harsh solvents, as these can damage the finish and aren’t necessary for effective cleaning.
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Wood is a natural material, full of unique character and responsive to its environment. It expands and contracts with changes in moisture, temperature, and humidity. Small cracks can occur, especially in larger pieces like slabs, while products made from smaller boards—like Classic Cut or Butcher Block—are more stable. We ensure your slabs are kiln dried to 6–10% moisture to match typical indoor conditions and minimize movement. For long-term care, ensure all sides of the wood are exposed to similar conditions to help prevent warping or cracking. Below are a few tips of things to avoid.
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Avoid letting water and liquids sit on the surface of your table for extended periods of time.
Avoid creating a condition where one side of the table top is sealed such as covering with plastic or other impenetrable surface for long periods. Wood needs to 'breathe' equally. Treat both sides equally.
Avoid locating directly over a heat source such as a vent if possible.
Avoid placing clear epoxy resin tables in direct sunlight for extended periods as it can yellow over time.
Certain types of wood, like Cherry, can naturally darken over time with sun exposure—it’s like a little sun tan! While this usually isn’t an issue thanks to the UV blockers in our finishes and the types of wood we use, it’s still a good idea to occasionally move objects around. Leaving items in the same spot for months or years can lead to uneven color changes. -
To keep your wood project free from scratches and scuffs, avoid dragging heavy or rough items, especially metal, across the surface and always lift instead of slide. Use felt pads under décor and coasters for drinks, and protect work areas with placemats or cutting boards during prep. Regularly dust with a soft microfiber cloth to prevent grit buildup that can scratch the finish.
Think of it like your car finish; its very durable but you can scratch it if you try. These simple steps help preserve your wood’s beauty and keep it looking flawless over time.
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Most of the time, regular cleaning is all that’s needed—no ongoing maintenance required. If your piece needs a refresh, light polishing with 0000 extra fine steel wool can help restore a smooth, matte look on conversion varnish finishes. Use light to medium pressure and follow the grain to reduce signs of wear.
For furniture oil finishes, one of the great things about this finish is how easy it is to touch up. Since the wood only absorbs a single layer, you can lightly sand a damaged area and reapply Rubio without worrying about overlap marks. For overall wear, simply hand-sand with 220-grit sandpaper (with the grain), then apply a new coat. It’s quick, easy, and non-toxic.
Not sure what to do? Just send us an email—we’re happy to help!