Furniture is made to be treasured for many years to come. The products we use on the pieces are of an excellent quality and they are durable too so they will stand up very well to everyday wear and tear provided that the necessary care is taken to look after your furniture. In order to prolong the life of your painted piece we recommends that you read the following:
GENERAL
- It is imperative that upon receipt of the newly painted piece great care is taken in removing the protective bubble wrap to avoid damaging the painted surface. Extra care must be taken if using scissors or any other sharp items.
- With commission pieces, whilst the paint / wax / varnish has dried sufficiently for your piece to be wrapped and delivered, it is likely that the paint / wax / varnish still requires time to 'cure' (i.e. harden). Unless advised otherwise, allow at least two weeks from the date of delivery for the curing process to complete. During this time it is advised to avoid using the furniture at all to avoid any scratches or marks. Simply leave it somewhere suitable indoors and allow the finish to breathe and harden at room temperature. Following which it will be ready to use as normal.
- Hot items should never be placed directly onto painted surfaces as this can cause irreparable damage.
- Electrical items (for example a television) used on painted surfaces for prolonged periods can cause scorching.
- Painted furniture can change colour with exposure to both natural and electric light. Rotate any ornaments to avoid patches of colour where an object has stood.
- Protect the underside of ornaments with felt coverings and use coasters and placemats where appropriate.
- Painted furniture is not waterproof, heat resistant or immune to chemicals or heavily staining liquids (for example red wine). Do not put hot dishes or cups on any surface, always use an insulated mat for protection.
- Waxes and varnishes will dissolve in alcohol, so in particular avoid any alcohol spills and avoid using cleaning products that contain alcohol. Please bear in mind that certain liquids, especially those with strong staining capabilities, will stain and the mark(s) may be permanent.
- Sharp objects such as cutlery and pens can score the surface of your furniture, as can crockery being dragged across the top.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
- Spills should be removed immediately using a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Furniture should be regularly dusted with a soft cotton or micro-fibre cloth.
- For more thorough cleaning, occasionally wipe your furniture with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap. Surfaces should be thoroughly dried with a lint-free cloth to prevent watermarks.
- Never use solvent cleaning agents (such as nitro-based thinners, acetone, nail polish remover or similar products) on or near your painted furniture as this will leave streaky marks that cannot be removed.
- Do not use any liquid furniture polishes as they may contain dimethicone, which is a silicone that can cause cracks to appear in the paint.
- Some furniture polishes are unsuitable for use on painted furniture as it will ruin the finish.
- Never use abrasive cleaning agents or cloths (e.g. linen cloths, paper towels etc.) on a painted surface as these will scratch.
- Glass or mirrored panels should be cleaned using a non-solvent based glass cleaner and a soft cloth, carefully avoiding contact with wooden or painted sections.
- It is recommended that furniture sealed with wax is re-waxed with a clear, soft, water-based painted furniture wax to help maintain the integrity of the painted surface. Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth and apply in small sections as per the product guidelines.
- For pieces fitted with a leather inlay, every now and then the leather will benefit from a little soft wax which you can apply in small quantities with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Rub the wax into the leather gently, in circular motions and avoid excessive build up or contact with the painted areas.
- For pieces which have drawers or cupboard doors, all of these are tested before leaving our workshop to ensure that they are in perfect working order. Over time, moisture in the air can cause the wood to expand and the drawers to stick. If this happens with your furniture, it is recommend that you remove the drawer(s) and rub a little soft wax, a candle or a bar of soap along the runners and replace it again. The drawer should now open and close smoothly.
- Your furniture must be placed on a level surface to ensure that drawers and doors hang properly and do not catch.
- It is recommended that any large pieces of furniture (e.g. tall chests of drawers, bookcases) are fixed to the wall using appropriate brackets to avoid them tipping forward and causing injury and/or damage.
If your furniture becomes stained, scratched or chipped, or suffers other damage it is recommended that professional help is sought to restore it.
Following the guidelines above will ensure product performance is maintained. Baillea’s Interiors will not be responsible for any defects on your painted furniture arising from fair wear and tear, willful damage, accident, negligence by you or any third party.