Living with Wood: A Care Guide
- Mawnan Collection
One of the most rewarding things about working with oak is knowing how well it wears over time. Slowly developing a surface that reflects how it’s been used. With a bit of care, that surface doesn’t fade; it deepens. And with the right attention, a piece of furniture can stay beautiful and functional for many decades.
Start with the Basics
Day-to-day upkeep is simple. Dust and dry dirt is best brushed off with a soft dry brush. For stickier patches or smudges, use a slightly damp cloth, maybe with a wood specific cleaner if necessary but avoid harsh chemicals and dry immediately after. The natural oil and wax finish I use is resistant to most common spills - tea, wine, juice - but they should still be avoided and wiped up immediately. To minimise risk of stains, keep surface oiled regularly.
Refreshing the Finish
This helps maintain protection against spills, brings back some of the depth in the grain, and softens any scuffs or stains. It’s recommended between every 6-18 months depending on use.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Light sanding: Use a soft sanding sponge (grit between 120–240) and gently sand the surface. No heavy pressure - slow movements back and forth. For textured surfaces, initially sand perpendicular to the grain to follow the direction of the grooves, do this first, then finishing back following the grain direction. go lightly to preserve the contours.
2. Dust off thoroughly: Use a dry brush in criss-cross strokes to remove all sanding dust. Any loose particles may stick to the wood whilst the oils drying (which can take anywhere between 10-30hrs) so it’s best to prepare an area thats ventilated and clear of dust or wondering animal friends.
3. Apply finish: Turn the piece upside down and begin on the underside. Use a clean brush to apply a thin, even coat of oil. Flip the piece and repeat for the upper surfaces, wiping away any drips or excess at the end. Follow the recommended guidelines for your chosen Finnish.
Recommended product for Mawnan Pieces: OSMO PolyX Oil [clear matt] 3062
Each piece from the Mawnan Collection comes fully protected with two coats of Osmo 3062
Keeping the Environment Right
Wood expands and contracts as its moisture content changes. Rapid changes in temperature or humidity can cause issues like splitting or warping. To avoid this, keep pieces away from radiators, underfloor heating vents, or especially humid rooms like bathrooms.
If you’re moving a piece to a space that’s significantly warmer or drier than where it was before say, from a damp garage to a centrally heated home - give it time to adjust. Letting it acclimate slowly helps minimise stress on the timber.
A Note on Character
Finally - a gentle reminder: some marks, dents, and shifts are part of what make solid wood furniture so rewarding to own. These pieces aren’t meant to stay pristine forever. They’re designed to live alongside you, to change subtly with the years, and to carry the story of their use. That kind of honesty is something I value deeply in both the making and the living with furniture.