The secret to wood care is oil. Elements will remove, dry out, damage the oils, and they need to be restored.
The goal to protect furniture is build up a strong finish, and restore the finish over time. I recommend you apply a thin, fresh coat after 1 month, then again 1 year after purchase. Or, apply when needed to “freshen” the appearance.
I give a lot of detail here, but if it’s overwhelming, just skip to the TIP at the end!
Knotty Woodpecker Furniture Finish
Use Natural Cutting Board Oil to touch up Knotty Woodpecker furniture. It’s the same mixture as the top coat on Knotty Woodpecker furniture. You may have received one with your purchase.
Wipe on a thin coat with a rag just to wet the surface, removing excess. It will need a day or two to dry, depending on temperature. Put in a warm place to speed up dry time. Note: expposing to direct sunlight will speed up dry time, but will also speed up the color change of the wood.
Eventually, you may develop a feel for when the wood wants a little oil.
Natural cutting board oil
This is the finish used as the top coat on all Knotty Woodpecker furniture, made with food-grade flax oil and local beeswax. It's perfect for touch-ups and cutting boards.
Avoid
Some liquids can react with the wood and leave long term stains, such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
Outdoor elements will quickly speed up aging. Long term exposure can cause damage. Short term exposure is fine, but it might want a fresh coat of oil after a while.
Sunlight
Direct sunlight will cause light wood to darken, and dark wood to lighten. This happens naturally, but sunlight will speed up the process. It’s really a preference; some woods look even better after a little sun!
Cleaning
The goal is to clean the surface without removing the finish. The easiest way is to use a wet rag to lightly wipe clean.
If agressive cleaning is necessary, don’t worry, wood is tough. Apply a fresh coat of finish after cleaning.
Repairs
Any minor damage to the surface can simply be re-coated with 1 or more coats of finish. Wait until dry to the touch before applying another coat. If damage exposed wood that has not been aged by the sun, it will usually fade away with time.
Furniture with major damage such as loose joints or broken pieces can be brought in for repair. Sometimes replacing parts is necessary, but the new parts won’t match the color of the aged parts. The color of the new part will sometimes catch up with the older pieces, though some “pre-aging” can be done if this is a concern.
Tip
Wood is tough, and furniture holds memories. Don’t stress about it, and apply a little finish when it makes you happy. Just enjoy it’s company.
