Vintage-etc Furniture Care Instructions

Furniture Care Guide

Custom Handmade Solid Wood Furniture | South Africa

At Vintage-etc, we design and manufacture custom handmade furniture in South Africa, crafted from solid wood to bring longevity, character, and beauty into your home. Our furniture is handmade using kiln-dried timbers such as Oak, Birch, Mahogany, and Oregon, responsibly sourced from managed forests.

Using traditional cabinetmaking techniques, each piece is built for structural strength and long-term durability. Hand finishing allows the natural grain and variation of the timber to be celebrated, ensuring every item is truly one of a kind.

Because no two trees are the same, and no two handcrafted pieces are identical, variations in tone, grain, texture, and finish are a natural and expected part of authentic solid wood furniture.

Top Care Tips for Indoor Solid Wood Furniture

1. Control the environment
Position furniture away from direct sunlight, fireplaces, heaters, and air-conditioning vents. Sudden or extreme changes in temperature and humidity can cause drying, cracking, or colour variation.  Vintage-etc does not recommend placing tables within 8 meters of a fireplace , any movement of wood is not a manufacture flaw, but the response to heat and drying out  

2. Clean gently and regularly
Dust with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, ammonia-based products, or excessive water, as these can damage timber and protective finishes.
Vintage-etc recommends using a natural beeswax for routine cleaning and maintenance. This can be purchased online via Takealot or from hardware stores such as Builders Warehouse or MICA.

3. Use protective barriers
Always use coasters, placemats, and trivets. Heat, moisture, and spills can permanently mark timber surfaces if left in direct contact.

4. Recondition when required
To refresh your furniture, lightly sand the surface using fine-grit sandpaper to create texture for the new oil to absorb and adhere. Apply a high-quality oil finish. We recommend Pro Nature, Osmo, or Rubio Monocoat, all of which meet gold-standard performance levels.
Apply evenly using a lint-free cloth. Allow approximately 7 hours curing time between coats and lightly sand between applications. Always place oil-soaked cloths in a bucket of water after use, as some finishing oils are flammable if disposed of dry.

Top Care Tips for Outdoor Solid Wood Furniture

1. Position thoughtfully and use the right wood type
Always ensure you have chosen a hardwood for harsh exposed environments, for example Teak, Iroko or Meranti.   Where possible, place outdoor furniture in covered or partially protected areas. Direct sun, rain, and extreme exposure will accelerate weathering and surface movement.  Heat will naturally cause hairline splits and cracks , this is not a manufacturing flaw   

2. Clean and dry regularly
Remove dirt, pollen, and moisture buildup using a soft cloth. Avoid pressure washers and harsh detergents, which strip protective oils and damage wood fibres.
For light cleaning, Vintage-etc recommends a natural beeswax, available online via Takealot or from hardware stores such as Builders Warehouse or MICA.

3. Cover when not in use
Use breathable outdoor covers during prolonged periods of non-use, especially during winter or heavy rain seasons. Ensure furniture is completely dry before covering.

4. Recondition as routine maintenance
Outdoor timber requires periodic re-oiling. Lightly sand to open the grain before reapplying oil. Use Pro Nature, Osmo, or Rubio Monocoat, applied evenly with a lint-free cloth, allowing curing time between coats. Dispose of oil cloths safely in water after use.

Addressing Cloudy Water Marks on Solid Wood

Cloudy or white water marks are usually caused by moisture becoming trapped in the surface finish rather than damage to the timber itself. These marks are most common on oiled or waxed finishes.

When to try this method
This method may be suitable only for white or cloudy surface marks that appear shortly after contact with moisture, such as from a glass or vase.

When not to attempt this method
Do not attempt this method if the mark is dark, black, deeply coloured, or if the surface shows signs of burning, etching, or finish breakdown. In these cases, moisture has penetrated the wood fibres and reconditioning or professional refinishing is required.

How to try this method safely

1. Always test first on the underside of the table or an inconspicuous area

2. Use a clean cotton cloth or tea towel, lightly dampened but not wet

3. Set an iron to low or medium heat with steam turned off

4. Place the cloth flat over the mark

5. Gently apply the iron for 5 to 10 seconds at a time

6. Lift, check the surface, and allow it to cool before repeating if necessary

The mark may fade gradually rather than disappear immediately. Do not overheat or leave the iron stationary for extended periods.

Any remedial action undertaken by the client is done at their own discretion. Vintage-etc cannot be held liable for damage resulting from self-applied treatments. While this method has proven effective for some cloudy surface marks, results will vary depending on the finish and depth of the mark.

The Natural Beauty of Solid Wood

Grain, Shading and Colour Variation
Each piece of solid wood furniture features unique grain patterns and natural tonal variation. Differences in shading, grain direction, or texture are inherent to real wood and contribute to its individuality.

Knots and Hairline Cracks
Solid wood is a living material that continues to respond to its environment. Knots are a natural characteristic of timber and do not compromise structural integrity.

Minor hairline cracks or small surface splits may develop over time as timber acclimatises to changes in temperature and humidity. These characteristics are expected and are not manufacturing defects.

Environmental timber movement, including knots, hairline cracks, surface splits, drying, or colour variation caused by sunlight, heat sources ( such as a sun or heat trap or fireplaces or braais ) , or humidity changes, is cosmetic in nature. These effects fall outside of manufacturing warranty and do not constitute defects, faults, or workmanship failures.

Wood Movement and Environmental Considerations

All timber expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. This may occasionally result in slight movement in table tops , at joins or on drawers or doors. This is a normal adjustment process, not a defect.

To maintain alignment:

Avoid damp or highly fluctuating environments
Ensure furniture is placed on a level surface
Allow carpet fibres to compress before rechecking balance
Use discreet spacers or shims if required

Sunlight and Heat Exposure

Even indoors, sunlight through windows, conservatories, or glass doors can damage natural wood over time.

Important guidance:
Woods such as Oak, Oregon, Beech, Maple, and Walnut are not suitable for sustained direct sun exposure
UV exposure may cause fading, drying, or warping
In sunrooms or glass-walled spaces, select stable hardwoods and allow for expansion gaps
Avoid varnish or lacquer finishes in high-sun areas. Oiled finishes perform better and weather naturally

Daily Cleaning and Maintenance

Dust regularly using a soft, dry cloth
Use natural beeswax sparingly. Avoid silicone-based polishes
Wipe spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly
Use mild diluted detergent only when necessary
Do not place hot items directly on wooden surfaces
Rotate decorative items periodically to prevent uneven fading (e.g. coasters/vases)
Use felt pads under objects that may leach chemicals

Open-Grain and Natural Finishes

Open-grain and natural finishes allow timber to breathe and age beautifully but are more sensitive to moisture and spills.

Avoid standing liquids, harsh cleaners, or unapproved polishes. Protect surfaces from wine, oils, and moisture wherever possible.

A Final Note

When you purchase custom handmade furniture from Vintage-etc, you are investing in a uniquely handmade item that is fit for the next generation,  no two pieces are the same, hence our name. 

Each mark and variation tells the story of real materials shaped by hand.   

If you require advice specific to finishes, environments, or placement in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or elsewhere in South Africa, we are always happy to assist.
Contact us at info@vintage-etc.com or visit our FAQ page.