Control the Environment
Major changes in temperature and humidity will shrink or expand table tops and furniture.
Your furniture will respond to changes in humidity. We recommend keeping your home’s humidity between 25 and 35%. Avoid placing your furniture in front of radiators, heat runs, wood-burning stoves, or fireplaces.
Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight. This will affect the color of your furniture. Natural cherry will age faster than any other wood. The more sunlight it is exposed to, the darker it will become.
Oil Your Furniture
Solid lumber does not take kindly to excessively dry air. Polish your furniture with Lemon Oil and Beeswax, or Amish Wood Wax two or three times per year, all of which can be found at Black Carriage Furniture. Use a clean, soft cloth and apply with the grain. If wood appears dry between applications, lemon oil polish can be applied to replenish moisture.
Repairing Dents and Scratches
The most unique feature about the oil finish is that it is very easy to repair. Should a dent or a scratch occur, simply use a damp cloth and apply it to the damaged area, then place a hot iron on top of the cloth to steam the affected area. This procedure will expand the wood and allow you to sand lightly with the grain of the wood, using a 320 grade sand paper. Reapply the oil to the repaired surface, restoring your furniture to its natural state.