Rattan and Wood Finishes
Regular waxing is the most important element in the care of fine furniture. Each time you wax a fine surface you improve its effect and preserve the life of the piece. This is the best protection from permanent damage to any lacquered finish.
Do not use silicon waxes, lemon oil, or other oily polishes. We recommend a quality carnuba paste or crème wax (such as "Johnson's Paste Wax) be used on a regular basis. How often you apply the wax depends on how much wear the furniture receives. New furniture should be waxed within 30 days of receipt. A dining table top or a chair that is used every day should be waxed every six weeks; whereas, an occasional table should be waxed every three months, a table apron or the sides of a chest may only need waxing once a year.
Before applying the wax, your furniture should always be clean. For food type spills use a cloth or sponge which has been dampened with mild, soapy water (without ammonia). For oily type smudges and build-up, a cloth dampened with "Murphy's Soap" will suffice. Remember to follow the manufacturer's directions when using a cleaner of this type. Rinse, and then dry the piece immediately and thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. Special care should be given to cleaning the rawhide bindings on McGuire furniture. Application of liquids to rawhide should be minimal. Apply a thin film of wax to the surface, working a small area at one time. Always rub in the same direction as the wood grain, then buff with a soft, dry cloth.
Between waxing, your McGuire wood furniture requires dusting with a soft, moist, lint free cloth and drying immediately with another soft, dry cloth. Dusting should occur frequently, using a clean dusting cloth that will attract dust without scratching the finish. When dusting, we suggest using a cleaning polish such as "Endust" that does not contain silicon. Silicon can damage the lacquers and make future refinishing very difficult. Lemon oil and other oil-based polishes should also be avoided, since they attract dust and grit, causing scratches in the finish. Cleaning agents will remove the protective wax; therefore we recommend additional applications between dusting.
Crackle and Painted Finishes
Crackle and painted finishes are only recommended for residential use. These finishes have an eggshell sheen lacquer and should not be waxed or polished, as they will acquire an undesirable higher sheen. For cleaning, use mild, soapy water, and then dry the piece immediately with a clean, soft cloth.
Paint that is applied to woven peel or bamboo surfaces does not adhere as well as it does to rattan or other hardwoods, and some chipping may occur. McGuire does not guarantee the adhesion of painted finishes on peel or bamboo products.
Bamboo Tables
McGuire Bamboo Tables require little care other than regular dusting with a soft cloth. A light buffing with a soft dry cloth will create a soft sheen by polishing the natural wax surface of the bamboo.
For cleaning heavy spills and soil, use a mild soapy water solution on a damp cloth, and then dry the piece immediately with a clean, soft cloth. Special care should be given to cleaning the "rawhide bindings" on McGuire Bamboo Tables. Application of liquids to rawhide should be minimal.
Should a split appear on the surface of the bamboo, it will not affect the structural integrity of the table in any way. It is just the bamboo reacting naturally to temperature and humidity changes.
Solid Teak
McGuire Solid Teak, plantation grown Tectona Grandis, is one of the world's most durable and solid grained woods. Waterproof glue is used with zinc-plated bolts and locknuts. All hinges are made from solid brass.
Teak reacts to the elements better than any other wood. That is why it is used for sailboats, the decks of battleships, et cetera. However, just as you have to maintain your boat, or it starts to deteriorate after a season or two of neglect, so will you have to care for your McGuire teak furniture. Naturally, left out in off-season, it will need even more care, if it is to age attractively.
During the months of weathering, the frames should be periodically scrubbed down with a non-abrasive detergent using a bristle brush and plenty of water from your garden hose. This removes the surface soil and evens out water stains that may appear as the tannin in the teak works to the surface. Tannin is the natural chemical that gives teak its weather resistant quality. It is important that you do not leave wet cushions on the wet frames or the cushions may become stained by the tannin.
In some climates, extreme temperature changes can cause the wood grain to raise mildly. This is easily mastered with a light rub of a fine sandpaper or steel wool. McGuire Tectona Grandis is solid and, therefore, in usual outdoor conditions the end grain may check (small openings in the grain). Such checking is not a sign of structural weakness, but a natural response to exposure and ripening or aging.
If you want your McGuire teak to retain its new look longer, annual applications of oil are required. We recommend Deftoil Marine Teakwood Finish - Natural, or Daly's Seafin Teak Oil, which can be purchased at most marine supply stores and some paint and hardware stores. Remember to follow the manufacturer's directions and safety precautions when using this type of oil.
Marble and Granite
McGuire marble and granite are porous and will stain if left unprotected. Marble and granite can be cleaned with mild detergent and warm water, rinsed with clean water and wiped with a clean, soft cloth to assure no residue remains. If this is unsuccessful, repeat with white vinegar. Regularly polish your McGuire marble or granite with a good non-yellowing paste wax. Never use abrasive cleaners. Food and liquid spills should be blotted up immediately with a soft damp cloth. Use coasters to protect your McGuire marble or granite against rings caused by liquid spills.
Resin
Resin is best used in covered areas or spa environments, not recommended for use in direct outdoor sunlight. Like teak, color will change gradually over time. When not in use, store flat, as resin can warp or bow even in moderate temperatures. If resin does warp, place in warm water until it returns to its original state. Alternatively, place on a flat surface with weighted objects until flat. To clean or buff scratches: prepare surface with 200 grit sand paper or steel wool and then rub with high-quality mineral oil.
How to Care for Leather
Leather is a durable and practical covering. Unlike imitation leathers, genuine leather will not become hot or sticky in summer, nor cold and clammy in winter. Because leather is a natural material, it breathes, making it comfortable year round.
Because leather is a natural product, it needs little or no care during normal use. However, in the event that you have a spot or spill, the following cleaning hints should help.
Leather Stain Removal Tips
For spots and spills blot excess liquid immediately with a clean absorbent cloth or sponge. If necessary, use clear, lukewarm water and gently wipe the spill. Dry with a clean towel and allow to air dry.
For stubborn spots and stains, use a mild solution of Ivory soap and clear, lukewarm water. Apply the soap to a clean, wet sponge, then rinse well and let air dry naturally. Always try the cleaning method in a hidden area first to be sure it's colorfast.
For butter, oil, or grease, wipe excess butter, oil, or grease off the leather with a clean, dry cloth, then leave it alone as the spot should dissipate into the leather in a short period of time. Do not apply water to try to wash a butter, oil, or grease stain.
Never use saddle soap, abrasive cleanser, soap, furniture polish oil, varnish, or ammonia water. The leather has already been permanently preserved in the tanning process and needs no maintenance other than the simple cleaning recommended.
The leather will initially repel most liquids, but if left to stand over an extended period of time, they will be absorbed. This is why it's a good idea to wipe up spills immediately. If the spill is absorbed, it will dissipate over time, just as human skin will absorb and eventually diffuse stains.
NOTE: The preceding remedies are in accordance with general cleaning industry procedures. We cannot guarantee favorable results, and we assume no liability in connection with their use.
Textiles
McGuire recommends cleaning with a natural soap in lukewarm water. Sponge briskly and rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove dirt. Air dry. Diluted chlorine bleach will not affect the coloration of the fiber and is therefore acceptable for stain removal.
However, chlorine bleach can eventually affect the strength of any fiber or cloth. We suggest a solution of one part bleach to two parts water. Thorough rinsing is essential.
Professional cleaning is always recommended for tough stains. Repeated washing may reduce the effectiveness of the soil resistant finish.
Other Tips to Preserve Your Fine Furniture Investment
Spills should never be wiped; they should be blotted immediately. If perfume or nail polish remover is spilled, do not wipe or blot it off. The lacquer, which has been softened by the chemicals, should return to normal when the liquid has totally evaporated. Allow the area to dry, rub it with a fine automotive polishing compound, and then apply a fresh coat of wax.
If you should have candle wax drop on a finished wood surface, hold an ice cube to the wax to harden it. Blot up the water, and use a dull plastic spatula to remove the wax without touching the wood. Gently scrape away any remaining wax, and rub the area with furniture wax to replace the protective coating.
Wood is a natural product. Sun bleaching will occur when wood furniture is exposed to sunlight. This will cause darker finishes to lighten, and sometimes lighter finishes can darken. For this reason, try to avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight and rearrange accessories from time to time to prevent spot bleaching. Some bleaching will occur under both incandescent and fluorescent lighting. Arrange your furniture so that it does not sit near heat registers, air conditioning units or radiators. Close contact with any of these will adversely affect the finish.
WARNING !!
Some plastic feet on computers, calculators, telephones and other rubber or plastic products such as placemats, and vinyl notebook binders, etc. contain a plasticizing agent that may discolor or soften the lacquer finish on fine furniture. Always use felt pads under these articles to prevent discoloration or softening of the lacquer. Always remember to lift objects rather than sliding them across the finished surface.
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