Ozone treatments are very effective for removing stubborn odors like smoke, mold and animal odors. Treating furniture with large amounts of ozone not only eliminates odors, but also kills germs.
High Ozone Shock Treatments should only be used when people, animals and plants aren't present, due to their toxic nature. Air Purifying uses a minimal level of ozone, and does not require such restrictions.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What's Your Favorite Color?
Did you know JC Wood mixes our own colors and can custom match your color request? A designer just selected raspberry, blueberry and chocolate at JC Wood’s shop.
So get creative and pick a color that makes a statement. What about an eggnog kitchen table?
Don’t stop there, upholster you chairs, have fun, and put some rum in your eggnog!
So get creative and pick a color that makes a statement. What about an eggnog kitchen table?
Don’t stop there, upholster you chairs, have fun, and put some rum in your eggnog!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Furniture Quality
Furniture manufactured overseas, while relatively inexpensive, is made to last only a short period of time, compared to furniture manufactured in the United States. Inexpensive upholstered furniture can mask several problems, including poor structure, unsteardy joints and inadequate foam/dacron.
Furniture made the old fashioned way is built to last with nails, screws and glue, not staples. The next time you need a new piece of furniture, ask yourself if you’re buiyng this for a few years and a lifetime in a landfill, or a lifetime of use to pass on to the next generation.
Furniture made the old fashioned way is built to last with nails, screws and glue, not staples. The next time you need a new piece of furniture, ask yourself if you’re buiyng this for a few years and a lifetime in a landfill, or a lifetime of use to pass on to the next generation.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wood Color May Change With Age
One of our clients recently had some doors, finished according to specifications, installed in a new office building. When they were installed, the property manager noticed that they were lighter than doors that had been in storage for some time, awaiting installation.
Different types of wood age differently. Cherry wood darkens with age, no matter what semi-transparent finish is applied. Walnut reacts just the opposite; over time, the wood gets lighter, especially when exposed to light.
Different types of wood age differently. Cherry wood darkens with age, no matter what semi-transparent finish is applied. Walnut reacts just the opposite; over time, the wood gets lighter, especially when exposed to light.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Holiday Candle Safety
Yes, this is the time of year where candles are used most often.
Candles can be festive and can damage furniture.
Some basic info we have all heard is:
Never leave a candle burning unattended.
Always protect the surface the candle sits on (use a glass plate etc)
Now, how do we handle a wax spill from candles on furniture?
My first answer is “always ask an expert?”
So now that you have asked me let me give you a few tips
To remove the wax drippings, use an ice cube or ice pack to the wax to harden it. Easily scrape off as much wax as you can using a plastic credit card or a thin, dull butter knife. Take your time so not to scratch the wood surface. Some of the wax residue may remain on the wooden furniture, using a soft, clean cloth and apply a bit of cream furniture wax to the area. Rub gently and remove the remainder of the wax residue.
Did you know that JC Wood sells furniture polish and Furniture wax?
Happy Holidays and may your candles burn safely
Linda S
Candles can be festive and can damage furniture.
Some basic info we have all heard is:
Never leave a candle burning unattended.
Always protect the surface the candle sits on (use a glass plate etc)
Now, how do we handle a wax spill from candles on furniture?
My first answer is “always ask an expert?”
So now that you have asked me let me give you a few tips
To remove the wax drippings, use an ice cube or ice pack to the wax to harden it. Easily scrape off as much wax as you can using a plastic credit card or a thin, dull butter knife. Take your time so not to scratch the wood surface. Some of the wax residue may remain on the wooden furniture, using a soft, clean cloth and apply a bit of cream furniture wax to the area. Rub gently and remove the remainder of the wax residue.
Did you know that JC Wood sells furniture polish and Furniture wax?
Happy Holidays and may your candles burn safely
Linda S
Where it Begins
This is a photo of a poplar tree,
They are among the fastest-growing trees in North America and are well suited for the production of painted furniture and millwork. With the exception of the more arid regions, hybrid poplars can be produced throughout most of the continental U.S.
Members of the willow family, hybrid poplars are closely related to cottonwoods and aspens; Poplars were used as windbreaks around fields, and fast-growing varieties were selected by farmers. Poplars also provide increased year-round habitat for birds and small mammals compared to annual row crops.
They are among the fastest-growing trees in North America and are well suited for the production of painted furniture and millwork. With the exception of the more arid regions, hybrid poplars can be produced throughout most of the continental U.S.
Members of the willow family, hybrid poplars are closely related to cottonwoods and aspens; Poplars were used as windbreaks around fields, and fast-growing varieties were selected by farmers. Poplars also provide increased year-round habitat for birds and small mammals compared to annual row crops.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
How do I care for a goodpiece of furniture?
Causes of Damages & Guidelines for CareWood and upholstery furniture and fixtures can be maintained for many years provided that some basic care and attention is given to their preservation.
The most common causes of damage to furniture and wooden fixtures are improper handling, display, cleaning, and environmental conditions.
HandlingA primary cause of damage to furniture is careless handling and usage. With some basic precautions, you can prolong the life of your furniture and wooden fixtures by preventing the damage due to routine moving and usage.
When moving furniture and large wooden fixtures, remove all belts, buckles and jewelry that could scratch the surface of the object. Furniture should always be grasped at its most sturdy areas. For example, chairs should be grasped by the seat, not by the chair back or arms. Furniture should be lifted and not dragged. Dragging can place undue stress on the legs and feet of a chair or table.
Every effort should be made to protect furniture surfaces. Drink coasters or glass tabletops can help prolong the life of finishes on tables that are routinely used. If glass tops are used, place felt pad or rubber bumpers between the glass and the tabletop to prevent the glass from sticking to the furniture finish.
EnvironmentLight exposure - Wood finishes, stains and some paints are susceptible to darkening, fading or softening from exposure to high levels of light. Excessive light can accelerate the aging and degradation of finishes resulting in a cracked, brittle or "alligator" appearance. Furniture should be displayed and stored in an area with minimal light and away from direct sunlight.
Temperature and humidity - Wood is a porous material that readily absorbs water when humidity levels are high. Absorption of moisture causes wood to swell while a dry environment causes wood to shrink. Fluctuations in humidity and temperature levels can lead to the formation of structural cracks, lifting of veneer and inlays, gaps in joints and the weakening of adhesives. Therefore, damage can be minimized by avoiding extremes in temperature and humidity.
While precise control of temperature and humidity is desirable, it is not always practical in homes. Homeowners can prevent damage by ensuring that furniture is kept away from heat sources such as furnace vents, fireplaces, warm lights and direct sunlight.
The recommended temperature and humidity levels for the storage and display of furniture are as follows:
Winter
Temperature 70º F
Relative humidity 35-45%
Summer
Temperature 70-75º F
Relative humidity 55-65%
CleaningThe following suggestions are steps to routinely clean and maintain your wood furniture and fixtures. The procedures recommended are only for fixtures that have finishes that are in good condition (not flaking) and do not have lifted or damaged veneer, inlays or gilding. JC Wood recommends that a professional handle any extensive cleaning of severely damaged or darkened finishes, porous or unfinished wood.
1.The first step in cleaning should always be dust removal. Dust should be removed using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner nozzle with a soft brush attachment. This is recommended particularly for fixtures that have rough or unfinished surfaces that could be snagged by dusting with a cloth.
2. The use of a diluted detergent is the safest method of cleaning if wet cleaning is necessary and the finish is in good condition (unfinished wood should never be wet cleaned). The detergent should be diluted to a concentration of approximately 1% in water. Gently apply the solution to the surface using cotton balls or soft cloth diapers. Cotton swabs can be used to get into hard to reach crevices and ornately carved areas.
After cleaning, remove residual detergent by carefully wiping with cotton balls or a cloth diaper that has been dipped in distilled water. The cloth or cotton balls should be damp but not wet. Do not allow water to remain on the surface as it can damage the finish. Use an absorbent sponge to blot excess water from the surface.
3. After the surface is completely dry, you may apply a high quality paste wax with a rag or brush.
Upon drying (approx.15min) the waxed surface should be lightly buffed with a diaper or a clean, soft shoe polishing brush. Wax should only be applied occasionally (once a year or so to avoid heavy wax buildup). If the finish becomes dull between applications of wax it can be buffed with a rag or shoe brush to restore the luster of the finish.
4. There are many commercial cleaners and polishes available for the care of furniture and antiques. While some of these products may be genuinely safe to use on antiques, it is difficult to assess the long-term effect of these products. Manufacturers generally guard their "ever changing" formulas and thus it is not possible to recommend any specific commercial product.
Many popular formulations that contain tung oil or silicone products have proven to age poorly. Products of this type should be avoided since they can darken or become opaque with age, resulting in a dark, dull and often irreparable finish. J C Wood recommends a simple liquid lemon oil polish available at our shop.
Pest DamageInsects that can cause damage to furniture include carpet beetles and powder post beetles. Routinely inspecting furniture and knowing the signs of insect damage can prolong the life of your wood furniture and fixtures.
Carpet beetles generally subsist on protein-based materials that are often present in adhesives. Carpet beetles are commonly found at furniture joints and in drawers. The presence of tiny black beetles (2 mm in size), small worms or furry carcasses are an indication of infestation.
Powder post beetles characteristically bore small holes (approx. 2 mm in diameter) into wooden materials. The holes are usually the first visible evidence of infestation. Furniture should be routinely moved and examined for infestation. Insects hide in inconspicuous places such as the underside of legs and drawers. Therefore, the underside of your furniture will need to be inspected. If evidence of infestation if found, place the item in a plastic bag and keep it isolated until it can be examined by a professional.
Causes of Damages & Guidelines for CareWood and upholstery furniture and fixtures can be maintained for many years provided that some basic care and attention is given to their preservation.
The most common causes of damage to furniture and wooden fixtures are improper handling, display, cleaning, and environmental conditions.
HandlingA primary cause of damage to furniture is careless handling and usage. With some basic precautions, you can prolong the life of your furniture and wooden fixtures by preventing the damage due to routine moving and usage.
When moving furniture and large wooden fixtures, remove all belts, buckles and jewelry that could scratch the surface of the object. Furniture should always be grasped at its most sturdy areas. For example, chairs should be grasped by the seat, not by the chair back or arms. Furniture should be lifted and not dragged. Dragging can place undue stress on the legs and feet of a chair or table.
Every effort should be made to protect furniture surfaces. Drink coasters or glass tabletops can help prolong the life of finishes on tables that are routinely used. If glass tops are used, place felt pad or rubber bumpers between the glass and the tabletop to prevent the glass from sticking to the furniture finish.
EnvironmentLight exposure - Wood finishes, stains and some paints are susceptible to darkening, fading or softening from exposure to high levels of light. Excessive light can accelerate the aging and degradation of finishes resulting in a cracked, brittle or "alligator" appearance. Furniture should be displayed and stored in an area with minimal light and away from direct sunlight.
Temperature and humidity - Wood is a porous material that readily absorbs water when humidity levels are high. Absorption of moisture causes wood to swell while a dry environment causes wood to shrink. Fluctuations in humidity and temperature levels can lead to the formation of structural cracks, lifting of veneer and inlays, gaps in joints and the weakening of adhesives. Therefore, damage can be minimized by avoiding extremes in temperature and humidity.
While precise control of temperature and humidity is desirable, it is not always practical in homes. Homeowners can prevent damage by ensuring that furniture is kept away from heat sources such as furnace vents, fireplaces, warm lights and direct sunlight.
The recommended temperature and humidity levels for the storage and display of furniture are as follows:
Winter
Temperature 70º F
Relative humidity 35-45%
Summer
Temperature 70-75º F
Relative humidity 55-65%
CleaningThe following suggestions are steps to routinely clean and maintain your wood furniture and fixtures. The procedures recommended are only for fixtures that have finishes that are in good condition (not flaking) and do not have lifted or damaged veneer, inlays or gilding. JC Wood recommends that a professional handle any extensive cleaning of severely damaged or darkened finishes, porous or unfinished wood.
1.The first step in cleaning should always be dust removal. Dust should be removed using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner nozzle with a soft brush attachment. This is recommended particularly for fixtures that have rough or unfinished surfaces that could be snagged by dusting with a cloth.
2. The use of a diluted detergent is the safest method of cleaning if wet cleaning is necessary and the finish is in good condition (unfinished wood should never be wet cleaned). The detergent should be diluted to a concentration of approximately 1% in water. Gently apply the solution to the surface using cotton balls or soft cloth diapers. Cotton swabs can be used to get into hard to reach crevices and ornately carved areas.
After cleaning, remove residual detergent by carefully wiping with cotton balls or a cloth diaper that has been dipped in distilled water. The cloth or cotton balls should be damp but not wet. Do not allow water to remain on the surface as it can damage the finish. Use an absorbent sponge to blot excess water from the surface.
3. After the surface is completely dry, you may apply a high quality paste wax with a rag or brush.
Upon drying (approx.15min) the waxed surface should be lightly buffed with a diaper or a clean, soft shoe polishing brush. Wax should only be applied occasionally (once a year or so to avoid heavy wax buildup). If the finish becomes dull between applications of wax it can be buffed with a rag or shoe brush to restore the luster of the finish.
4. There are many commercial cleaners and polishes available for the care of furniture and antiques. While some of these products may be genuinely safe to use on antiques, it is difficult to assess the long-term effect of these products. Manufacturers generally guard their "ever changing" formulas and thus it is not possible to recommend any specific commercial product.
Many popular formulations that contain tung oil or silicone products have proven to age poorly. Products of this type should be avoided since they can darken or become opaque with age, resulting in a dark, dull and often irreparable finish. J C Wood recommends a simple liquid lemon oil polish available at our shop.
Pest DamageInsects that can cause damage to furniture include carpet beetles and powder post beetles. Routinely inspecting furniture and knowing the signs of insect damage can prolong the life of your wood furniture and fixtures.
Carpet beetles generally subsist on protein-based materials that are often present in adhesives. Carpet beetles are commonly found at furniture joints and in drawers. The presence of tiny black beetles (2 mm in size), small worms or furry carcasses are an indication of infestation.
Powder post beetles characteristically bore small holes (approx. 2 mm in diameter) into wooden materials. The holes are usually the first visible evidence of infestation. Furniture should be routinely moved and examined for infestation. Insects hide in inconspicuous places such as the underside of legs and drawers. Therefore, the underside of your furniture will need to be inspected. If evidence of infestation if found, place the item in a plastic bag and keep it isolated until it can be examined by a professional.
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