Care Guidelines

Introduction

Our products are intended for use in a contract environment. They are designed and manufactured to meet the demands of this market in terms of strength and durability, and to meet the current legislation where applicable.

We offer our care and maintenance guidance below, to assist our customers in ensuring their furniture retains its appearance and provides many years of useful service.

Timber Surfaces

All lacquered timber surfaces are finished with a minimum of 2 coats of an acid catalysed lacquer. This finish has been independently tested and is classified as exceeding the requirements of BS6250, the British Standard for severe use on horizontal surfaces. Lacquer is neither scratch proof, nor will it withstand excessive wet or dry heat.

In use, it is essential to protect timber surfaces from items that generate direct heat, such as coffee pots. This can satisfactorily be achieved with the use of mats and coasters.

Timber surfaces should be wiped with a clean, slightly damp cloth and then buffed with a dry cloth or duster until dry. Excessive wetting of timber surfaces can lead to swelling and/or cracking of the timber and should be avoided. Wax polishes and spray cleaners need not be used, as these can have a detrimental effect on the appearance of the lacquer finish. A build up of wax polish on flat surfaces will result in the surface being more vulnerable to marking.

Timber will continue to react to the environment in which it is placed. Care should be taken to avoid exposing indoor furniture to extremes of heat, placing too close to radiators for example. Similarly, damp conditions or continuous variations in temperature, can affect the stability of the product.

Timber is a natural product with variations between species and from section to section. These variations are to be expected and in our opinion, enhance the appearance of timber furniture. We do not attempt to eliminate any shade or grain variation.

Warning

Do not use any abrasive cleaning agent or any cleaning agent containing ammonia, bleach, spirit or any aggressive constituent.

The use of sanitizers should be avoided, unless it is clear that they are suitable for use on lacquered timber surfaces. If in any doubt, we would recommend that you contact the supplier for clarification.

Handling

Site staff should always maintain due diligence to safeguard against improper use. Furniture should always be lifted and carried, not dragged, as dragging will lead to a weakening of the joints. Similarly, leaning back on the back legs of a chair will lead to weakening of joints, and can result in breakage.

Early identification of any such weakness is likely to render the item repairable. If an affected item is allowed to remain in use, repair may be impossible, and an increased risk of failure will result. It is essential that any item known to be less than structurally sound be removed from use immediately.

Extra care is essential in the handling of stacking and folding furniture. It should always be lifted, stacked and stored with great care, to avoid damage to furniture or injury to staff. We would always recommend the use of trolleys where practical.

External Furniture

Exposed timber surfaces to outdoor furniture will, over time, weather naturally to an attractive silver grey finish. If preferred, this furniture can be treated either with a preservative or teak oil, prior to leaving our factory, which will slow this weathering process. Further applications will be necessary thereafter if you wish to restore and maintain the appearance.

All outdoor furniture will benefit from being protected from extreme weather conditions, particularly during the winter months.

Fabric

Fabric can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or vacuumed using a brush attachment. For more stubborn stains, the advice of the fabric supplier should be obtained. If in doubt, this advice can be sought via our sales office or a professional cleaning contractor can be consulted.

Leather upholstery should be vacuumed regularly and can be cleaned with a tepid pure soap solution, avoiding over wetting of the surface. Leather is a natural product, with variation and imperfections in the surface, which do not affect durability. Some leathers may change in appearance over time, particularly if placed in direct sunlight or exposed to heat from a radiator. Specific care instructions can be obtained from the leather supplier direct or via our sales office.

Metal

Metal surfaces can be wiped with a damp cloth. Proprietary metal cleaners should be avoided as these may damage protective coatings or attack the surface of the metal.

Stone Surfaces

Granite and marble surfaces can be cleaned with a damp cloth and have a proprietary wax polish sparingly applied, to assist in overcoming the natural tendency of some porous stones, to stain.