Wood Surfaces - Oiled, Varnished, Painted

Wood Finishing

Finishing is the treatment given to wood surface. Wood finishes include paints, waxes, oils lacquers, filters, polishes, etc. The period of cleaning a wooden surface depends on he type of finish used on the wooden surface.

Uses of wood finishes

To improve the appearance of the wooden surface.
To prevent the wood from absorbing moisture.
To protect the wood from the attack of boring pests.
To prevent decolouration of wood.
To prevent dirt from filling the pores of the wood.

Care of plain wood

Plain wood surface is one that is finished simply by smoothing it. No form of finishing substance is applied to it. Most cooking wooden utensils have plain finish for example pastry board, draining board, kitchen table.

To clean a plain wood

- remove surface dust by wiping with clean dryer duster.
- scrub along the grain of the wood. Use warm soapy water and sponge or brush.
- scrub a little portion at a time. Rinse well with clean water.
- wipe dry with clean cloth.
- dry in open air; always use as little water as possible washing wood. Excessive water softens the surface.
- avoid spilling things that can stain on the plain wood, such as ink. They are difficult to remove.
- store articles in dry place.
- do not leave article in hot sunshine. Such exposure causes wood to crack.

Wood Surfaces: Oiled, Varnished and painted.
Oil finish is produced by rubbing the new wooden surface with special oil. Varnished finish is obtained by applying special varnish on the wood. Both finishes provide protection for the wooden surface.
They are damaged by heat.

Cleaning of the oiled and varnished wooden surfaces
1) Daily: dust with a clean dry non-fluffy cloth or duster.

2) Occasionally:
- clean the surfaces with duster.
- apply suitable polish to varnished surface and oil to oiled surface.
- rub up thoroughly.

3) avoid the use of abrasive cleaners. They will scratch the oiled or varnished surface and leave marks.

4) wipe off any spill or stain as soon as they occur.

Care of painted wood surfaces
Wood can be painted in different colours using suitable paints. Commonly painted surfaces in the home aw doors, windows and furnitures.
1) do not place hot plates or pans directly on painted wooden surfaces.

2) do not use an abrasive cleaner on painted surface.

3) do not use solvents as turpentine and alkaline solutions to clean painted surface.

4) To clean:
- dust surface thoroughly to remove surface dust and dirt.
- wash with warm soapy water and soft cloth.