De La Espada use a traditional wood oil finish followed by wax, applied by even application to the timber. This finish seals the pores of the timber, enhancing the natural structure of the wood and forming a water repellent protection against everyday wear and tear. This finish deepens the natural colour of the timber. The timber can be reapplied with wax at any moment. We recommend you use only products supplied or approved by De La Espada.

 

For regular maintenance, use a damp cloth or sponge with clean water, wiping down the whole surface as one. When done correctly, this procedure should deal with any small hairline scratches, daily wear and tear and dust build up. Do not concentrate cleaning or wiping on small patches/areas of the product, even if the mark/tarnish is located in one particular part of the surface. This will cause the surface to appear patchy due to uneven wiping and rubbing. Do not use spirits, bleaches or any other chemical cleaners to clean the timber. Do not use abrasives on the veneer surface.

 

Please ensure that direct contact with hot objects is avoided. Avoid spillages and do not use any corrosive products such as bleach anywhere near the timber. Any spillages should be wiped clean immediately. Once the immediate spillage is cleared, ensure that the whole surface is wiped clean.

 

For long-term general maintenance, periodic reapplication of wax is required. Ideally, the furniture should be waxed in the following way every six months to a year. You will need hard wax, and two soft white cloths. Take a small piece of hard wax, the size relative to the surface being cleaned. As a guideline, you should use approximately 1 level teaspoon of wax for the top of a dining table, and a pea size amount for the arm of a chair. Rub the wax into one of the soft cloths. It is important to rub the wax thoroughly into the cloth, so it is one even, thin layer, almost becoming part of the cloth. First push the wax into the cloth with a circular movement of your hand, then grab both sides of the cloth and rub them together. Once the wax is thoroughly worked in, use the cloth to rub the entire surface of the timber, always following the grain direction. Wipe the surface with the clean white cloth to rid of excess wax. Allow the surface to dry for 24 hours before use. Do not use abrasives on the veneer surface.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION - Always protect your hands with gloves when applying wax. Do not store wax near sources of extreme temperature. Do not take internally. Keep out of reach of children.