Care of Products

Caring for Painted Furniture

The nature of our items evokes an aged appearance achieved by hand, colour and size variations can be found. Each item is made from wood products, elements including the legs are carved by hand using traditional cabinet making techniques and any imperfections are characteristics of the item and should be celebrated. A water based sealer is applied by hand, over the surface to create a finish that may be unique from one item to another. Dust or wipe clean with a cloth dampened with water once a week. Be sure not to leave water spots on the surface. These water spots will dry and could possibly leave permanent marks.  Keep furniture away from heating and air conditioning sources to prevent loss of moisture. Keep furniture out of direct sunlight. Use felt backing on all accessories to prevent scratches. Use placemats, hot pads under hot serving dishes and coasters under all beverages.

Caring for Wood Furniture

This item is artisan crafted with meticulous care. Given its handmade and hand-finished nature, variations in the wood are to be expected and celebrated. Each item is unique and no two are exactly alike. Use a lint-free cloth to clean wood furniture on a weekly basis. Keep furniture out of direct sunlight. Use felt backing on all accessories to prevent scratches. Use placemats, hot pads under hot serving dishes and coasters under all beverages. Do not use abrasives or harsh chemicals on wood furniture. If your original wood finish is “a la natural” you can apply furniture oil or polish that will build up over time and protect. If your wood finish has an original mat water based protectant you can re-apply.  Dust or wipe clean with a cloth dampened with water once a week. Be sure not to leave water spots on the surface. These water spots will dry and could possibly leave permanent marks.

Caring for Natural Wicker Furniture

Our wicker furniture is traditionally constructed from rattan, split reed, or coated paper and the frame constructed of either iron or rattan. Sunlight is the primary enemy of wicker. Always cover wicker furniture if you intend to leave it outside for more than two or three weeks. Regular cleaning is recommended.  To remove dirt and debris, vacuum with a dust-brush attachment or use a dry paintbrush. Clean with a mild soap solution. Scrub, rinse and dry. Avoid using too much water, which can weaken the fibers.

Caring for Synthetic Wicker Furniture

Our all-weather furniture is generally made from plastic, either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE). These plastics are manufactured with a number of chemical additives, including ultraviolet stabilizers and fungicides, and can be shaped to mimic wood or wicker.  The framework can be constructed either aluminum or teak. Use a mild soap solution – scrub, rinse, and dry.  Sunscreen residue can discolor some plastics, so wipe furniture with a wet cloth and a mild soap solution soon after exposure.

Caring for Metal Furniture

This item is artisan crafted with meticulous care. Given its handmade and hand-finished nature, variations in the iron and its finish are to be expected and celebrated. Each item is unique and no two are exactly alike.  Aluminum, iron, steel, and other metals can be wrought (heated and hammered into shape), cast from molds (often in solid pieces), or formed into hollow tubing.  Because most of these, except aluminum, are subject to rust, our metal furniture is finished with layers of clear varnish, paint, or a durable powder coating. Use a mild soap solution, scrub, rinse, and dry. To remove rust stains or mold, sand the area lightly using fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe it clean, and apply touch-up paint if needed in several thin layers.

Caring for Teak Wood Furniture

Most wood used for outdoor furniture naturally resist decay and withstand the elements. Although sealants help preserve color and protect against wear and tear, they aren’t necessary. Left unfinished, the wood acquires a silvery-gray patina and requires little maintenance. To remove stains or mildew, mix 95% hot water with 5% bleach.  Scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush, and rinse. To remove rust stains or bird droppings, or to restore original color, sand lightly along the grain using fine-grit sandpaper, and rinse.

Caring for Instant Grey Finish – Teak Furniture

Instant Grey is not a stain, it is a chemical process to change teak wood into a beautiful aged grey finish faster than the natural process.  It has been specifically created for teak wood and the chemical reaction will stop after the product is exposed to direct rain.

Instant Grey  finish is not the final colour, the final colour will continue to weather depending on the environment. In dry climates teak will take several months to weather,  if teak is exposed to infrequent moisture the colour will fade slowly with minor dis-colourisation and in moist climates where furniture is subjected to regular dew and sunshine the process will weather more quickly.

During the changing process some products may develop yellowish areas and sometimes black dots will come through on the surface, exactly the same as the natural ageing process. The yellowing will slowly disappear and show the final colour, a beautiful aged grey finish. When the chemical process is finished approximately  3-4 months afterwards, or after reaction with rain water, the final colour will stay the same and no further maintenance is required.

Please use Teak Instant Grey Protector by Golden Care.  This Instant Grey protector maintains the grey colour of teak for a longer time. We highly recommend this product to be used on our Instant Greywash teak items as it protects and maintains the greywash finish on the product. We also highly recommend using Golden Care Teak Shield for extra protection on your teak furniture immediately after Instant Grey Protector. These products can be purchased through Amazon and offer clear instructions for use.

Caring for Fully Upholstery Furniture

Keep upholstered furniture out of direct sunlight. Rotate cushions and pillows on a regular basis to allow even distribution of wear. Vacuum weekly using the upholstery attachment to remove soil that could be abrasive to surface. Periodic professional cleaning is recommended.  If a spill occurs, it is important to clean the fabric immediately. Blot with a clean, white cloth. Do not rub. To prevent rings, it is important to clean spots from the outside to the middle of the affected area. Pre test any care products in a hidden area to make sure that they are compatible. Do not use detergents or strong chemicals to clean your upholstery.

Caring for Outdoor Cushion Upholstery

Outdoor cushion covers are machine washable or may be spot cleaned with mild soap and water.  For stain removal use a diluted solution of 1 part chlorine bleach, 1 part mild soap and 4 litres of water. Allow fabric to dry. Professional cleaning is recommended for tough, persistent stains.  Flip cushions on their sides when wet to help drainage. To protect furniture and cushions all year round, use custom fit covers when furniture not in use.

Caring for Wood/Upholstery

This item is artisan crafted with meticulous care. Given its handmade nature, variations in the wood/painted finish are to be expected and celebrated. Dust or wipe clean with a cloth dampened with water once a week. If your original wood finish is “a la natural” you can apply furniture oil or polish. Vacuum upholstery weekly to remove soil. If a spill occurs, it is important to clean the fabric immediately. Blot with a clean, white cloth. Do not rub. To prevent rings, it is important to clean spots from the outside to the middle of the affected area. Pre test any care products in a hidden area to make sure that they are compatible. Do not use abrasives, strong or harsh chemicals on wood/painted furniture or upholstery. Keep furniture/upholstery out of direct sunlight.

Caring for Zinc

Each products zinc patina finish is carefully created by hand. Do not use cleaners with acidic chemicals or fluids as it will damage the quality and colour of the patina permanently. If the zinc is bare it will darken and grey on it’s own over time. It’s a living alloy that reacts to its environment.  Spots will form, but over time they will fade and self correct. Zinc is soft and a sharp edge directly on the surface will leave an impression.  A basic daily or after use wipe down is generally enough to maintain appearance and cleanliness. Zinc tops can be cleaned using a little mild soap and water.

Caring for Animal Hides

Animal hides can be vacuumed as part of your normal vacuuming cycle. Brushing the hide with a hard plastic brush in the direction of the hair will help keep the hairs soft.  Spills should be treated immediately while the liquid is pooled on the surface of the hair, left untreated and they will eventually be absorbed into the leather.  Soak up spills immediately with a paper towel and sponge,  scrape any solid matter of the hide. Wipe the stain with a damp cloth and a mild soapy solution – Any deep staining can be treated by wiping vigorously with a mild, non-alkaline soapy solution (shampoo and water) in the direction of the hair.  Do not soak the hide.

Caring for Limestone

Limestone is one of the most porous stones available. Avoid setting beverage glasses directly on limestone as they leave rings.  Fruit juice, carbonated beverages or other acids will etch the surface. Wipe up acid spill immediately, and wipe surface with wet cloth. A unique characteristic of this natural stone is the fossils and seashells often found embedded in the surface adding an organic element. The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective  matt sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing you time to completely wipe it away. However this will change the colour of the stone in some way.

Caring for Slipcover Sofas

When arranging your furniture, avoid direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause colours to fade on your slipcovers. Care should also be taken to avoid furniture touching external walls or radiators, as this could cause problems of moisture build-up/scorching damage. Take care to prevent sharp objects (e.g. children’s sandal buckles, pets’ claws) from coming into contact with your furniture, as this may cause snagging or tearing of the fabric. Vacuum regularly (weekly) using low suction. Rotate cushions regularly. Pilling:  Can occur occasionally as a result of normal daily wear and should not be considered as a fault. Fibre pills can be removed by a battery-operated pilling tool available from most haberdashery stores. Treat spills and stains as soon as possible. Gently scrape any soil or mop any liquid from the surface of the fabric. We recommend DRY CLEANING ONLY on slipcovers and cushions