Page 95 - River Woodworking Office Furniture Catalog 2019

All hardwood contains variation in its color and grain. In manufacturing and finishing its furniture, River Woodworking strives to bring out the natural beauty and character of each piece of wood. These wood characteristics give each piece of solid wood furniture its unique charm, although the finishing processes are identical, no two pieces will be exactly the same.
Because most hardwoods are open grained, solid wood furniture will expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature, even after protective finishes have been applied. Care in controlling the furniture’s environment will help minimize the minor cracking and warping that is a natural part of the wood’s character.
Indoor humidity should be kept in the 35 to 40 percent range to minimize these effects. If the humidity moves out of the ideal range, solid wood chairs can expand or contract causing a gap in the joints. This is perfectly normal as moisture is absorbed through end grains of wood causing more movement at the joints that in the center. Through change of seasons these changes will occur according to humidity levels.
Additionally, direct sunlight and fluorescent fixtures that contain ultra-violet rays can cause chemical changes in the wood and finish and should be avoided. Furniture should also be kept away from direct sources of heating and cooling and out of attic or basement storage environments.
With proper care, solid wood furniture will provide a lifetime of enjoyment and can be passed on to future generations.
AVOID SILICONE WHEN CLEANING FURNITURE
Many polishing and waxing products on the marker tout their abilities to keep furniture finishings looking like new.
But experienced finishers are adamant about one thing: Never use a polish that contains silicone.
Silicone interacts with existing finish in a way that makes it almost impossible to refinish it should there ever be a need to do so. Refinishing after silicone polish has been results in a flawed finish.
The best possible fluid for cleaning a finish is warm tap water. Some finishers recommend adding a bit of mild detergent. Avoid any harsh soaps or anything with abrasives.
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The Nature of Wood and its Environment