Solid Wood FurnitureFurniture by Savanna Wood

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Construction & Care

Why Finish Wood?

Wood is finished for the following reasons:

Sanitation: Wood is porous and these holes can accumulate dirt. This may be a health hazard. Finishing makes the surface easier to clean and prevents the accumulation of dirt in tiny wood pores.

Stabilisation: Finishing coats reduce the movement of moisture in and out of wood making the furniture more stable and extending the life span of any wooden product.
Protection: Finishing coats protect the wood from watermarks, heat damage and chemical attack.
Decoration: To bring out the beautiful grain and colour in the wood.

The myth of oil and ‘feeding’ wood.

Many people say that oil finishes are superior to other finishes. This is incorrect. Our ancestors used linseed oil or beeswax because it was cheap and available, not because it gave a superior finish. It does not give a fine, durable finish. Moisture goes through it very easily and does not protect against heat, stains, chemical attack or ware and tare. It is a myth that oil “feeds” the wood. The wood will absorb a little oil, just as it does water, but the wood is no longer a living organism and does not need to ‘feed’ or to ‘breath’. These oils do not occur naturally in wood.

The finish we use.
At Savanna Wood we finish our products with a series of nitrocellulose lacquer finishing coats. Nitrocellulose is a natural fibre found in woody plants. We have selected this lacquer finish for its excellent clarity and depth, as well as its heat, water, solvent, acid and alkali resistance.

Caring for the finish:
This finishing coat, as with any finishing coat, can deteriorate. The main causes of deterioration are exposure to strong light (especially sunlight); oxidation and physical abuse with rough or excessively hot objects. There are both passive and active measures that can be taken to protect your investment:

Passive measures.
Place furniture away from direct sunlight or very powerful lights. Cover with tablecloths or other suitable covers when not in use. Do not store in a very hot environment (such as an attic or basement) as this accelerates oxidation. Use coasters, placemats and hot pads. Do not use plastic mats for long periods of time as the plastic may stick to the finish and damage it.

Active measures.
Application of a good furniture wax or paste wax polish as per our recommendations. This will help prevent objects damaging the finish and will give it a beautiful sheen that helps bring out the depth and colour of the wood.

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