Stratum Marquetry® Product Care Guide

At Stratum Marquetry, we reject the throwaway culture that devalues craftsmanship and harms our planet. Our pieces are built to last, using responsibly sourced reclaimed timbers and durable finishes. Care for your new item properly, and it will reward you with years of beauty and service.

Contents

  1. Quick‑Reference Care Table

  2. Environment & Storage

  3. General Cleaning Guidelines

  4. Care by Product & Finish

    • Varnish

    • Hard‑Wax Oil

  5. Maintenance Intervals & Re‑Finishing

  6. Electrical Considerations

  7. Leg & Frame Care

  8. Refinishing Services & Costs

1. Quick‑Reference Care

Varnish – Clean with warm water and neutral pH dish soap; never use abrasive cleaners, bleach, alcohol, or furniture polishes. Perform a weekly light clean and wipe spills immediately.

Hard‑Wax Oil – Wipe with a damp, non‑abrasive cloth. Avoid soaps, strong detergents, sanitizers, and degreasers. Perform a weekly light clean and wipe spills immediately.

Hairpin Legs – Clean monthly with warm water and a non‑abrasive cloth; avoid aggressive cleaners or degreasers. Inspect for damage during cleaning.

2. Environment & Storage

  • 💧 Humidity: Keep indoor relative humidity between 30 – 50 %. Avoid basements, unheated attics, or rooms with running dehumidifiers/humidifiers.

  • 🌡️ Temperature: Ideal range 10 – 25 °C; avoid rapid fluctuations.

  • ☀️ Light: Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading and finish breakdown.

  • 🏠 Placement: All products are for indoor use only.

3. General Cleaning Guidelines

  • 🧽 Use a soft microfiber or cotton cloth.

  • 🧼 Choose a mild, neutral pH soap for Varnished areas; plain water suffices elsewhere.

  • 🧹 Lightly dust weekly; wipe spills immediately to prevent staining.

  • 🚫 Never use abrasive pads, bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, or acidic/alkaline solutions.

4. Care by Product & Finish

Varnish

  • 🍽️ Cleaning: Warm water with neutral pH dish soap; wipe spills immediately with a non‑abrasive cloth.

  • 🔥 Heat: Always place hot items on coasters—Varnish resists heat but prolonged exposure can mark the finish.

  • ⚠️ Avoid: Waxes, furniture polishes, aggressive sanitizers.

Hard‑Wax Oil

  • 💦 Cleaning: Damp cloth with warm water; wipe spills immediately.

  • 🌡️ Water & Heat: Protect from standing water or hot objects—use coasters or mats.

  • 🚫 Avoid: Soaps, sanitizers, degreasers, and harsh detergents.

5. Maintenance Intervals & Re‑Finishing

  • 🔄 Hard‑Wax Oil: Reapply every 6 months; if you notice wear sooner, re‑oil earlier.

  • 🛠️ PU Varnish: Inspect annually for micro‑scratches; touch up with compatible varnish if needed.

6. Electrical Considerations

  • ⚡ Safety First: Always unplug and ensure bulbs are cool before cleaning.

  • Silicone Holders: Remove via the rear clip; clean with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.

  • 🔌 Wiring, Plug, Switch & Bulb: Lamps use standard flex, inline switch, and fuse. For failures, replace bulb or fuse (max 60 W). Bulbs available via our shop.

7. Leg & Frame Care

  • 🖌️ Finish: Spray‑painted; avoid knocks or sharp impacts.

  • 🛡️ Floor Protection: Replace plastic feet via our shop if lost.

  • 🧽 Cleaning: Warm soapy water & a non‑abrasive cloth; dry thoroughly.

8. Refinishing Services & Costs

  • 🔧 Stratum Marquetry Service: We offer re‑finishing at £35 /hr plus materials—contact us for a quote.

  • 🏡 Local Pros: Feel free to engage a trusted local professional if you’re outside our area.

Thank you for choosing Stratum Marquetry. With proper care, your piece will continue to reflect our shared commitment to sustainability and lasting design.