Care and Maintenance of Your Fine Furniture Finish

Conversion Varnish is the most commonly used finish in the high-end furniture market. When properly applied and cared for, the beauty of your furniture's finish will be enjoyed for many generations. Conversion Varnish has excellent resistance to foods, beverages and common household chemicals. However, to maintain the beautiful appearance of your furniture a few care guidelines must be followed.

• Limit direct sunlight exposure as much as possible. Over exposure can cause a change in the appearance of your furniture's finish.
• Excessive waxing can cause moisture from a beverage can or glass to leave a milky white ring on the surface of the wood.
• Do not use cleaners containing bleach.
• Avoid cleaners with abrasives, as they may scratch the finish.
• Do not allow cleaners containing ammonia to come in contact with your furniture finish. Ammonia may turn oak black and painted pieces yellow.
• Excessive exposure to smoke will cause the finish to yellow.
• Dyes and inks may discolor the finish. The ink and dyes from newsprint and plastic bags may penetrate into the finish when moist.
• Conversion Varnish offers a very hard mar- resistant surface, but like any finish may still be scratched or damaged if not cared for properly.
• It should be noted that your new conversion finish does not achieve its maximum performance properties for at least 30 days from the time it was finished. This is based on maintaining a temperature of at least 70 degrees.

Cleaning Guidelines

Generally a soft damp cloth followed by a dry cloth will be all you need to clean the finish. If a cleaner is required, use only a very mild soap and wipe dry. A high quality furniture polish may be used occasionally. Apply with a soft cloth following manufacturer instructions.

Different Types of Wood Finishes

Oils and Waxes
This type of finish provides a very natural appearance but allows limited protection or durability. It requires periodic re-application of oil and/or wax to maintain the natural look. A similar look can be achieved with a very low sheen conversion varnish.

Lacquers
Most commonly used in mass-produced lower end furniture. This coating is known for its ease of use and speed of dry times. Lacquers offer limited protection against marring, scratching, chemicals and yellowing due to UV exposure.

Conversion Varnish
This coating is used by the higher end kitchen cabinet and furniture manufacturers. It is used because of its excellent durability and resistance to household chemicals. Conversion Varnish is very color stable and less likely to yellow as it ages.

On a scale of 1 to 10 regarding durability, oils and waxes rate a 1, lacquers rate a 3, and conversion varnishes commonly rate the highest rating of a 10.