by Julian Hamer

Furniture improves with age. The wood mellows and matures. The colors become rich and deep. There are subtle and gradual changes: wood develops a certain tone, a fact long recognized by makers of fine pianos and violins.

Here are a few simple rules of thumb in the care of fine hardwood furniture to help keep your treasured pieces beautiful now to become heirlooms tomorrow.

Dining tables and sideboard surfaces should be dusted frequently with a soft cloth by following the grain pattern of the wood. An old T-shirt with the hems and the nap cut off is best.

Polish no more than 3-4 times a year. Place a tiny amount of soft furniture paste wax (such as Johnson Paste Wax) in a fold of soft cloth (T-shirt). The wax will seep through the cloth as you use it. Evenly wax the surface in the direction of the grain pattern. Immediately, with a clean T-shirt cloth wipe off the wax turning the cloth frequently. Continue polishing in the direction of the grain of the wood until there is an even luster.

It is normal for hardwood furniture to shrink and expand slightly with changes in humidity. But avoid placing furniture directly in front of heat vents, wood burning stoves or radiators.

Never place hardwood furniture in direct sunlight day after day.

To avoid scratches take care to lift objects and never drag or slide them across surfaces.

Avoid strong detergents and never allow glass cleaner to come in contact with the wood. Be careful of perfume, alcohol, solvents and nail polish.

Use coasters and pads to prevent damage from heat, moisture or heavy objects. But avoid leaving rubber or vinyl mats on the surface as these can cause softness or discoloration. Mats with felt on the bottom are best.

Blot spills immediately with a dabbing motion. Do not rub. Dry thoroughly.

To move furniture, lift. Do not drag or push.

I now spray all of my furniture using water assisted finishes. The finishes are extremely durable and far less toxic than conventional lacquers. I prepare the wood thoroughly staining it if that is the desired finish. Then I seal the wood with two coats of water based lacquer sanding between the coats. The final finish can be another two or three coats of conversion varnish. Then the piece is sanded with very fine sanding sponges until it is a smooth as glass. Finally I polish the finish with fine abrasive compounds.