How to Treat Unfinished Pine Wood Furniture
Unfinished pine wood furniture--popular because it can be crafted into a variety of shapes and designs--is a soft wood that can be easily damaged if not properly cared for. Simple steps can be routinely taken to avoid discoloration, dullness and potential cracking.
Things You Will Need
- Clean duster or cloth
- Clean, damp cloth
- Protective wood oil
- Block furniture wax
Tip
Make sure tea, coffee and alcohol are never allowed to spill on the unfinished pine furniture. If such such spills should occur, wipe up the spill immediately.
Warning
Ammonia- or detergent-based cleaning liquids should not be used for cleaning unfinished pine furniture.
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Select a location or placement for the unfinished pine furniture that is away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Unfinished pine is susceptible to cracking and shrinking when exposed to extreme heat or extreme variations of temperature and moisture. It is ideal to place your unfinished pine furniture where environmental conditions are moderate and stable.
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Dust the unfinished pine wood furniture with a clean duster or cloth at least every week. Regular cleaning will prevent a build up of dust and dirt from mixing with any moisture, which can embed in the grains of the pine wood or form a dingy layer, resulting in discoloration of the furniture and giving it a shabby appearance.
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Use a damp, almost dry, clean cloth occasionally to remove stubborn dirt and oily spots left from human contact. A bit of mild wood soap may be used for difficult spots, but first test the reaction of the soap to the unfinished pine wood on a hidden area.
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Apply sparingly a good quality protective wood oil with a clean cloth should the unfinished pine appear to be drying out and to protect it from future drying out. Again, first test the react of the oil with the unfinished pine wood furniture in a hidden area of the furniture to ensure the oil will not discolor or stain the piece.
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Use hard block furniture wax, following the packaging instructions, to protect unfinished pine, retain its natural color texture and strength and prevent natural damages and cracking.
The Drip Cap
- Unfinished pine wood furniture--popular because it can be crafted into a variety of shapes and designs--is a soft wood that can be easily damaged if not properly cared for.
- Apply sparingly a good quality protective wood oil with a clean cloth should the unfinished pine appear to be drying out and to protect it from future drying out.
- Again, first test the react of the oil with the unfinished pine wood furniture in a hidden area of the furniture to ensure the oil will not discolor or stain the piece.
