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Real or Imitation?
Question whether you're buying solid hardwood or a cheap imitation?
Check
the glue joints. Put your finger on a glue joint and trace it
along the top of the surface, over the edge, and to the underside.
If the line disappears its probably an imitation. Solid hardwood
joints on the other hand can be traced across the top the side and the
underside.
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Solid Wood Table Care
If cared for properly your solid hardwood table can give you a lifetime
of beauty & service.
Following are some care tips that will enhance your solid hardwood table
investment:
·
Position your table away from all heat sources, including radiators,
fireplaces, and heating ducts.
· Position your table out of direct sunlight or
use window coverings to avoid lengthy periods of direct sunlight.
· Humidity should be controlled to 40%-45%.
This can be accomplished by using a humidifier in
winter,
and a dehumidifier
or air conditioner in summer.
· Use non-scratching coasters for all drinks.
· Use padding under all hot, cold, or
sharp objects.
· Store table leaves in close proximity of your
table or in the same humidity. Do not store
leaves in damp basements where the leaves may swell.
· Do not use nail polish remover, alcohol, and
other solvents on or near table.
· Ask your retailer about
manufacturer-provided finishes that resist damage from harmful
liquids and objects.
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Routine Cleaning Suggestions
DUST CAREFULLY using a soft cloth such as an old T-shirt, baby
diaper, or laundered cheesecloth.
Follow the grain pattern of the wood.
DUST OFTEN
to remove everyday abrasive particles from wood surfaces.
CONSIDER CLEANING
with a sponge or cloth dampened in
non-alkaline soap and water.
Be sure to pre-test the solution on an out-of sight section to
make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Dry immediately with a
soft cloth and lightly buff, following the wood grain.
DON'T WAX
or use any polish that contains any silicones! Catalyzed
heat and moisture resistant finishes don't need additional polish, but
if you want to use a polish we recommend Guardsman Furniture Polish.
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Changes
in relative humidity cause ALL solid hardwood tables to expand and
contract. This is a natural
response and is not to be considered a defect.
It does not in any way affect the strength of our tables. |
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First Aid for Tables |
Following are some
common problems and solutions.
Be sure to try each of these remedies in a small area first to
assure that it does not damage the finish.
These statements apply only to tables sold by Amish Traditions.
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WATER MARKS, RINGS
Often, rings are in the wax rather
than the finish. Cover the stain with a clean, thick blotter,
press down with a warm iron, and repeat. Or rub with salad oil,
mayonnaise, or white toothpaste. Wipe dry.
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WHITE MARKS
Rub
with a cloth dipped in lighter fluid, followed by a mixture of
rottenstone and salad oil. Or
rub with a cloth dipped in a mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon juice
or salad oil. Wipe dry.
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ALCOHOL OR MILK
With
the grain, rub in a paste of boiled linseed oil and rottenstone,
substituting pumice for dull finishes.
Or rub with a cloth dampened with ammonia.
Wipe dry.
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CIGARETTE BURNS
For minor burns, rub with a scratch-concealing polish, or with a paste of
linseed oil and rottenstone, working with the grain until the burn
mark disappears.
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HEAT MARKS
Gently rub along the grain using
extra fine (0000) steel wool, a dry
S.O.S. pad, or a cloth dampened with camphorated oil or mineral
spirits.
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NAIL POLISH
Blot immediately, then, using
fine steel wool (0) dipped in Guardsman Furniture Polish, rub.
Wipe dry.
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PAINT MARKS
For
fresh latex paint, remove with water.
Fresh oil-based paint should be removed with mineral spirits.
Dry paints can be lifted by soaking in boiled linseed oil until paint
softens, then carefully scraping with a putty knife.
Remaining residue can be removed by rubbing along the grain with
a paste of boiled linseed oil and rottenstone. Wipe dry.
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STICKING PAPER
Dampen the paper thoroughly with salad oil, wait five minutes and rub
with extra-fine (0000) steel wool along the grain. Wipe
dry.
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WAX OR GUM
Hold an ice cube wrapped in cloth against the substance to harden it.
Pry off. Rub the area with extra-fine (0000) steel wool dipped in
mineral spirits.
Wipe dry. |
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