All furniture develops a patina of fine scratches with use. Occasionally, an accidental nick or scratch occurs that is beyond the definition of patina and requires touch up. Check out our furniture oils, polishes and waxes.
Touching up Water Base Surfaces (Milk Paint and Waterbased Wood Stains)
To touch up a scratch or nick, lightly dab the area with paint or stain from the original can. If too much finish is applied, wipe it off before it dries and try again. You can use a tiny artist brush or a foam brush for a very small imperfection. Once it dries, you may sand lightly with a buffing pad. If Waterbase Topcoat was used, finish off with a light application of Topcoat over the repaired area. Use water for any clean up.
Furniture Care and Maintenance
To maintain the finish, mild dish soap is recommended for cleaning up after spills, just as you would clean woodwork. Vinegar can also be used. If a mild abrasive is needed, baking soda toothpaste works well when applied with a soft damp cloth. For additional protection, there are many products on the market, and some are hazardous to your furniture's health. Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphys Oil Soap are not recommended because they can contain contaminants such as silicone or leave a dull residue on the finish. Never use products containing ammonia on water base finishes. Polishes such as orange oil work well for routine maintenance. The following are some tips on the different types of polishes.