Oiled wood

Oiled Wood

GENERAL INFORMATION

Wood is found in a variety of species. Fritz Hansen uses mainly oak, maple, beech, cherry and ash, each with their own natural characteristics in terms of colour, grain and hardness. The wood we use is sourced sustainably in the highest quality, without defects including knots, sap or cracks.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Maintain oiled wood surfaces and prevent drying with specialist wood oil, an abrasive sponge and a lintfree cloth. Oil penetrates the grain of the wood, lifting away dirt and creating a water-repellent coating with a smooth, matte surface. We recommend treating furniture twice upon purchase followed by 3-4 annual treatments.

DIRECTIONS

The surface must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying oil. Use a soft cloth wrung in a solution of soapy water to clean the surface approx. 12 hours before treating with oil. Work the oil into the surface in the direction of the grain using an abrasive sponge. Shake the oil well before applying a generous amount to a clean, dry cloth. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to absorb. Remove any excess oil with a lint-free cloth and leave the furniture to dry overnight. For optimal results, treat 2-4 times. Repeat the treatment should dry spots appear within 24 hours. Newly oil-treated furniture can be used with care after approx. 24 hours. The oil will have hardened fully after seven days. N.B. Clothes and sponges used to apply oil are highly flammable. Always store away from naked flames, rinse in cold water or place in an airtight metal or glass container. Never pour oil directly onto furniture. Never use steel wool.

CLEANING & STAIN REMOVAL

Small scratches: Sand lightly in the direction of the grain using fine grit-220 sandpaper. Oil after sanding.
Steel on oak: Avoid placing steel objects on oak for long periods of time. A chemical reaction will leave black marks that can only be removed by sanding.
Scuff marks: Remove with an eraser or soft, oildampened cleaning sponge. Oil treat is required.
Liquids: Carefully rub with a soft, oil-dampened sponge. For absorbed stains, first sand with grit-180 sandpaper and thereafter grit-220 sandpaper. Oiltreat the wood as recommended above. The treated area may appear lighter but will darken over time.
Candle wax: Allow to solidify and remove as much as possible before carefully rubbing the stain with a soft, oil-dampened sponge.
Dents and scratches: Most can be repaired if wood fibres have not been damaged. Brush dents with lukewarm water to raise the wood fibres. Once dry, sand with grit-220 sandpaper and treat with oil.
Pens, watercolour and markers: Try to remove as much of the stain as possible using blotting paper and solvent.
Ink: Brush gently with mild detergent solution foam. Use benzine or alcohol for stubborn stains or fine grain sandpaper followed by oil.
Soot/nicotine: Universal cleaner.
Burn marks: In most cases, superficial burn marks can be removed with light sanding. Consult a professional before attempting to repair damage yourself.

CAUTION

When sanding or using abrasive materials, always work in the direction of the grain and over a larger area to avoid wearing away the surface wood. For tables, ensure no objects remain in the same place on the surface for longer periods as this will result in staining and discoloration. Exposure to sunlight will result in fading. Steel wool and ammonia will damage wood due to a chemical reaction with the material’s natural acidity. Never place hot items directly on wood surfaces.