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Wood is a natural material that is subject to changes
in moisture and temperature. In other words, it moves and changes ever
so slightly when exposed to humidity, heat or cold. Properly sealed and
maintained wood tops are durable, beautiful and easy to use, but it is
important to carefully follow the installation and care and maintenance
instructions for your specific type of finish.
If you follow these directions carefully your custom
countertop will be easy to maintain, will look great, and will last for
many years. See our Finishes page for
more information about the characteristics of our Waterlox®
and Tung Oil/Citrus Finishes.
Note: If you have a top finished with a
Waterlox® Finish, you do not have to maintain your top in any way other
than to retreat exposed wood caused by damage or intentional cut outs
for sinks or faucets etc.
Please note that our Warranty is not valid if you do
not follow the maintenance instructions.
These tops receive a minimum of four coats on the
visible side of the top and three coats on sides that are not visible.
Six coats are typical for tops with cut-outs for sinks or cook tops and
for satin finish tops. Waterlox® is
waterproof. It is also heat and stain-resistant for a tough, hard
finish.
DO NOT
use
bleach based cleaning products on the Waterlox® Finish.
Bleach and ammonia are the only chemicals we have found that will harm this
finish. Be aware that some dishwasher detergents, such as
Liquid Cascade, have bleach in them. If this type of detergent
comes in contact with the Waterlox® Finish, it should be wiped up
immediately. If allowed to sit, it can harm the finish.
See Nicks, Scratches, etc. below for information on how to repair
this type of problem
DO NOT
cut, drill or change your top in any way without refinishing all
exposed surfaces thoroughly. See our
Installation Instructions for
additional information.
DO NOT
place these tops near excessive heat (such as stove or
dishwasher) without proper insulation between heat source and the
edge of the top. See our Installation Instructions
for additional information.
DO NOT
expose tops to excessive heat, cold or moisture! Never put in
a microwave or dishwasher or use as a hot pad. Never place on stove
burners. See our Installation
Instructions for additional information.
DO NOT
chop directly on this surface. This
finish is safe for contact with food, but use a cutting board to protect
your surface from knife marks.
Cleaning your top:
Wash your top with mild soap and water, and then
rinse. Disinfect with a weak solution of vinegar and water in a spray
bottle, if desired. Be sure to dry the top thoroughly.
Problem Solving:
Nicks, Scratches, etc; Touch ups can be done at any time. Lightly sand the
area and applying more Waterlox® to the top. Sanding down to
bare wood is typically not required.
Color Variations: Dark streaks can
occur in wood. These are caused by a natural discoloring of
the wood due to mineral deposits in the tree. Other color
variations are natural characteristics of the wood. This is
not a flaw or problem. It is normal and adds to the
individuality of your top.
For additional information about the Waterlox® finish, visit the Waterlox® website at
www.waterlox.com
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These tops receive four coats of finish on all
surfaces of the top to ensure a well-oiled finish. Since the Tung
Oil/Citrus finish penetrates into the wood, the finish can last 3-6
months or more before it needs to be reapplied. This finish is
water and stain-resistant as long as the surface
is maintained properly.
DO NOT
use
any chemicals or harsh detergents on the Tung Oil/Citrus Finish.
If chemicals or harsh detergents
comes in contact with the finish, it should be wiped up
immediately. If allowed to sit, it can harm the finish.
See Nicks, Scratches, etc. below for information on how to repair
this type of problem
DO NOT
cut, drill or change your top in any way without refinishing all
exposed surfaces thoroughly. See our
Installation Instructions for
additional information.
DO NOT
place these tops near excessive heat (such as stove or
dishwasher) without proper insulation between heat source and the
edge of the top. See our Installation Instructions
for additional information.
DO NOT
expose tops to excessive heat, cold or moisture! Never put in
a microwave or dishwasher or use as a hot pad. Never place on stove
burners. See our Installation
Instructions for additional information.
DO renew
the Tung Oil/Citrus Finish
on a regular basis. All exposed surfaces of the top should be
oiled. Depending upon use and household conditions, a thin layer
of Tung Oil/Citrus finish should be applied once every three to six
months or more as needed on an ongoing basis.
Cleaning your top:
Scrape off any heavy food particles. Wash your
top with mild soap and water, and then rinse. Disinfect with a
weal solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, if desired.
Be sure to dry the top thoroughly. Cutting boards should be stored
resting on a side, not flat.
How to oil your top:
Since the Tung Oil/Citrus finish penetrates into the
wood, the finish can last as long as 3-6 months or more. Simply
dribbling a few drops of water onto the surface of the wood top will
tell you whether it is time to reapply the finish. If the water
beads up, the top is still protected; if the water soaks into the
surface, it's time to renew your finish.
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To renew your finish, repair any gouges or cuts
by sanding lightly, then clean the surface thoroughly, and dry it.
-
After the top has dried completely, apply a thin
layer of the Tung Oil/Citrus finish to all exposed surfaces with a
sponge or brush.
-
Let the finish soak into the wood for 45 minutes,
then take a disposable sanding pad and sand the wet surface
thoroughly.
-
Take a clean rag and wipe off every bit of the
remaining finish.
-
Take another clean rag, and using plenty of elbow
grease, rub the surface until all of the finish is completely rubbed
into the wood.
-
Let the wood top set overnight before using.
Pre-mixed "Half and Half" Tung Oil/Citrus Solvent
from Real Milk Paint Co. is available through DeVos Custom Woodworking.
Or, you can order the Tung Oil and Citrus Solvent in separate containers
from The Real Milk Paint
Co.
Problem Solving:
Nicks, Scratches, etc; Touch ups can be done at any time. Lightly sand the
area and applying more Tung Oil/Citrus finish to the top. Sanding down to
bare wood is typically not required.
Color Variations: Dark streaks can
occur in wood. These are caused by a natural discoloring of
the wood due to mineral deposits in the tree. Other color
variations are natural characteristics of the wood. This is
not a flaw or problem. It is normal and adds to the
individuality of your top.
For additional information about the
Tung Oil/Citrus finish, visit the Real Milk Paint Co. website at
www.realmilkpaint.com/oil.html
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