CUSTOMER CARE

How do I take care of woods?

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That's a great question. And it does take just a little bit of TLC to keep your pieces happy and healthy. 

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Many people think of wood as dead, whereas in reality each piece is still breathing in air and moisture all the time with the changes of the season. Is that to say the pieces are going to sprout into tiny trees themselves? Well no, but if it gets too dry too fast it could crack, if it gets too wet for too long it could warp or rough up the smooth finish. 

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So here are some tips for keeping your Kindred looking lovely. 

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1. Do not place onto of radiator heat, or in the direct line of forced heated air. This will mess with moisture content in the wood and cause splitting on seams or along the grain. 

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2. Do not submerge in water. Don't set them on the sink counter while washing your face or brushing your teeth, as water can splash up and they could sit in a pool of water for a while before you notice. Take them off before going in the pool, shower, or the lake. Any excess moisture exposure will cause the grain to 'pop' making the smooth surface rough, and can cause warping and/or cracking once dried. If you do get them wet, don't worry, just dry them off the best you can and then allow them to fully air dry with equal air flow on both sides - much like how a dish dries vertically in a rack. Equal air flow will allow equal dry time on each side, which prevents cupping, bowing, warping otherwise cause by one side drying faster or slower than the other. 

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3. Condition each piece with oil every few months or simply when it looks like it is getting dry or lighter in coloration. You can use the same oil as you would on a butcher block, or oils that you use on your skin. Coconut or jojoba oil are good options if you have them around, but stay away from vegetable, canola, or olive oil as those can go rancid when placed in wood. The oil helps keep moisture content regulated in the piece and prevents cracking, warping, and other damage. 

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4. Take them off before bed or your afternoon nap. It's the worst when the all you wanted to do is catch some Z's and you wake up to find that the kid from Jerry McGuire must've been right, and your head rolled over and snapped a wooden piece of artwork right in half. It's wood and it is strong, but not invincible. And better safe than sorry. 

 

5. If a piece has had prolonged moisture exposure and simply has some raised grain, you can lightly sand each piece with 220 grit sandpaper or above until smooth, and then recondition with oil. If you want a real smooth surface, I go up to 1500 grit, but that is not necessary. 

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Know that every effort has been made on my part to make certain your Kindred pieces have a long-lasting life and serve you well. These are just some tips to help ensure upkeep and longevity.