A dining table, a living room coffee table, a desk or console table are pieces of furniture that will serve us for years if we take good care of them. How to do it and what top finish to choose already when placing your order so that you can enjoy your furniture for many years?

Let us begin with how you can protect the tabletop and which option to choose so that, in addition to protection, it also has a decorative function and suits your interior.

Methods of protection of tabletops

Varnish

Varnish is a popular method of protecting a solid wood tabletop as well as wood combined with resin. Most importantly, varnish:

  • Protects wood against moisture and damage;
  • Extends its lifespan;
  • Enhances the colour and grain.

In our woodworking shop, we use high-hardness, transparent varnishes that do not turn yellow. Additionally, when choosing a varnish, you can opt for a matt or glossy finish. Depending on what suits your interior better, or what end result you want to achieve, choose one of the options.

Matt or gloss?

  • In matt, the varnish gives the wood a natural look and remains satin smooth to the touch;
  • In gloss, it gives the impression of a mirror surface in which you can see your reflection.

Furniture finished with varnish looks beautiful both in home arrangements and business interiors. It gives the interior an exclusive look and is perfect for classic, glamour or art deco styles.

Oil

Oil, or oil and wax, is a method of securing a solid wood tabletop and its task is to:

  • Protect against damage;
  • Protect the surface against abrasion;
  • Protect against water, wine, coffee.

In addition, oils allow wood to breathe, they enhance its natural colours and bring out its beauty.

Oils are available in various colours, so we can give the wood the desired shade, adjust it to the interior or obtain the aged effect.

The oils we use are intended for contact with food and are safe for humans.

The oil finish of the tabletop makes the furniture retain its natural appearance. It is the perfect solution for fans of boho, rustic and industrial styles.

Glass

Glass as additional protection can be used on various types of tabletops. In our designs, we use high-quality glass:

  • Optiwhite;
  • 5-mm thick;
  • Tempered glass;
  • Crystalline in colour;
  • Scratch-resistant;
  • Perfectly smooth;
  • With bevelled edges.

This form of top finish adds elegance to the entire table, but most of all:

  • Protects the piece of furniture against damage;
  • Makes it easy to keep it clean;
  • Emphasizes the colour and pattern of the tabletop.

The glass-finish version is excellent for modern interiors.

When ordering a piece of furniture, you can opt for such additional protection.

How to take care of wooden, varnished or resin-bonded furniture?

The rules for use and maintenance of furniture are simple, just follow them to enjoy a glamorous piece of furniture for many years.

  • Furniture should be used in accordance with its intended purpose. Remember not to overload it, not to stand or sit on furniture such as tables, coffee tables and desks.
  • Furniture should be placed on an even (levelled) surface. The levelled surface allows one to maintain a stable furniture structure and keep it safe during use.
  • Furniture should be used indoors, in dry spaces, protected against atmospheric conditions. Furniture should not be exposed to weather conditions such as rain, snow, frost or sun. Furniture not intended for outdoor use will deteriorate in such conditions. Physical factors will damage the varnish or other forms of tabletop protection, and excessive dryness or air humidity will warp the wood.
  • Protect furniture against the harmful effects of factors such as water and sunrays, which can permanently damage it. The optimal indoor conditions for wooden furniture are air humidity of 50–70% and a temperature between 15–30°C.

Do not leave any spilled liquids on furniture, as long-term contact with, e.g., water can cause permanent damage, especially to varnished surfaces. Pay attention to air humidity; too dry and too humid air will adversely affect the appearance of the wood and may cause deformation, changes to shape, etc.

  • Furniture should be placed at a distance of not less than 1 m from closed heat sources such as a heater; in the case of fireplaces, stoves and furnaces, at a distance of not less than 1.5 m. High temperature negatively affects the wood, it dries it excessively and the proximity of a fire source is additionally dangerous as it may cause permanent damage to the furniture.
  • Surfaces should be protected against exposure to high temperature, water or other liquids and chemicals, which may damage the furniture surface. Do not place hot objects directly on tabletops. Place protectors under hot dishes to protect the tabletop. High temperatures can permanently change the colour of the varnish or wood. Intensive colouring liquids, such as wine, beet juice, blackcurrant juice, coffee or tea, are also dangerous for tabletops. After spilling, they must be removed from the surface immediately because, especially in the case of an oiled tabletop (after a long time from impregnation), the liquid may penetrate the wood structure and colour it permanently. Chemical substances can permanently damage and discolour layers of varnish and even wood.
  • Varnished furniture surfaces should be protected against scratching and bruising.

Varnished surfaces are susceptible to scratches and bruises; such damage is clearly visible with this type of top finish. Such cases should be prevented, no objects that could potentially damage it (e.g., keys or other metal objects) should be left on the tabletop, and protectors should be used.

  • Furniture should be wiped with a dry or damp soft cloth and afterwards wiped dry thoroughly. Only preparations intended for this purpose should be used for maintenance. For furniture care, do not use liquids with alcohol, rough cloths or any accessories that may damage or scratch the tabletop. If you need to remove natural traces of use and additional maintenance and protection of the tabletop are required, you can:
    • For solid oiled tables, periodically apply the oil yourself; it will extend the lifespan of the tabletop;
    • For varnished tabletops, have a carpentry workshop renovate them.

We hope that you already know what form of tabletop protection you will choose and that taking care of your furniture will not be a difficult task.

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