Vision
Millwork, Inc.
Caring For Your Wood Furniture
VMI furniture combines the natural beauty of wood
with quality craftsmanship. The furniture is protected with a tough, durable
finish that stands up to the wear-and-tear of today’s offices. This
care and maintenance guide helps you know what to expect from your wood furniture
and provides important tips on how to take care of it.
CLICK ON EACH TOPIC TO GET MORE INFORMATION:
THE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WOOD
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WOOD FURNITURE
CLEANING
AND MAINTAINING YOUR WOOD AND LAMINATE FURNITURE
SUPPLIES
| DUSTING | CLEANING | WAXING | HARDWARE | DOORS AND DRAWERS | HELP WITH REPAIR
AND MAINTENANCE
THE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF WOOD
Your wood furniture is, in
a sense, one of a kind. Each piece of furniture owes
it’s beauty and individuality to natural variations in the color and
grain pattern of the wood.
As a living material, wood “breathes” –
it expands and contracts slightly in response to changes in temperature and
humidity. The underlying wood colors also tend to change with exposure to
light, a natural process that affects each species of wood differently. For
example, natural cherry tends to mature and darken more rapidly than most
other species.
The furniture’s finish stabilizes the wood,
minimizing the effects of these natural processes. It also protects the beauty
of the wood. This tough finish does not nick , scratch, or stain easily, and
stands up to most spills. But wood finishes can be damaged. For example, with
prolonged direct contact, some rubbers, plastics, and vinyl’s (such
as vinyl binders) can react chemically with the finish discoloring or marring
it.
By following the simple tips in this guide, you can avoid problems and be
assured of many years of satisfying use of your Vision Millwork furniture.
HOW
TO PROTECT YOUR WOOD FURNITURE
Use desk pads and coasters
to help protect the finish against dents, scratches, moisture and hot and
cold liquids. Do not use desk pads that have plastic backing.
Use felt or leather pads
on the bottoms of office equipment and accessories. Lift objects when
you move them, instead of pulling or pushing them across the surface to avoid
scratching the furniture.
Periodically move desk accessories and other objects
kept on top of the furniture to ensure even aging.
Avoid leaving vinyl binders on furniture
for long periods.
If you use a protective glass top,
insert clear plastic tabs between the glass and the top of the furniture,
to create air space and allow the wood to breathe.
Keep your furniture away from direct sunlight.
Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.
Maintain temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit and humidity levels
between 30 and 50 percent.
CLEANING
AND MAINTAINING YOUR
WOOD AND LAMINATE FURNITURE
SUPPLIES
Keep a supply of soft, clean, absorbent cloths handy for wiping up
spills and regular dusting.
DUSTING
Clean with a slightly damp soft cloth, using another soft cloth to
dry. Always wipe the surface in the direction of the grain on wood surfaces.
CLEANING
Use a quality cleaner or flax soap formulated especially for use
on wood or laminated furniture. Do not use oils or ammonia. Dilute the cleaner
as directed by the manufacturer. Dampen, but do not saturate, a soft cloth
with the diluted cleaning solution. Wipe the surface in the direction of the
wood grain to remove dirt and fingerprints. Wipe the surface clean with a
soft, dry cloth.
WAXING
Quality spray wax
may be applied sparingly twice a year on wood surfaces only. Excessive waxing
may result in a wax build-up, which feels sticky and attracts an unusual amount
of dirt.
HARDWARE
Clean metal finishes with a non-abrasive cleaner. Apply the cleaner
sparingly; making sure that it does not come into contact with the wood. Wipe
the hardware dry with a clean, soft cloth.
DOORS
AND DRAWERS
Once a year, oils hinges on cabinet doors with a light machine oil.
HELP
WITH REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
Wood is a “forgiving”
material, which can usually be repaired. If your furniture is damaged contact
Vision Millwork, Inc. We offer offer touch-up services and maintenance contracts
for your convenience.
MOVING AND ADJUSTING YOUR FURNITURE
INSTALLING
AND MOVING
Your Vision Millwork furniture should be installed only by trained
installers. Before moving your furniture, contact us. We are trained and equipped
to move your furniture properly.
LEVELING
If drawers or cabinet doors do not align or open smoothly, the furniture
may not be level. Glides on the bottom of the furniture can be adjusted to
compensate for uneven floors. Contact us for assistance.
QUESTIONS
For answers to additional questions about wood furniture care, maintenance
and repair, call Vision Millwork, Inc. directly at 818-767-3511 or contact
us here at info@visionmillwork.com.