Care and Maintenance

To maintain a wooden piece, you can use mineral oil, although natural oils are usually a better choice, such as tung oil, pure linseed oil, extra virgin olive oil, or beeswax.

The type of “peroba oil” commonly sold in supermarkets is not recommended, as it often contains petrochemical ingredients.

When purchasing a wooden piece, no matter what kind of wood it is made from, a few basic precautions are important. It should not be exposed to intense heat, cleaned with alcohol if it has been varnished, or treated with harsh chemical products, as these can damage the wood.

To preserve the piece over time, you can occasionally apply oils such as pure linseed oil, tung oil, castor oil, or olive oil to help nourish the wood.

You may also use a mixture of beeswax and pure linseed oil. Another option is to apply shellac every six to eight months. Shellac, made from natural resin flakes, helps preserve the piece and restore its shine. A good ratio is 7:1 — 100% alcohol to resin flakes.

I usually prepare my own finish for preserving and completing the pieces I make: one-third beeswax, one-third pure linseed oil, and one-third of the shellac solution described above. I melt the beeswax first, then add the remaining ingredients while stirring continuously. I try to apply it on days with low humidity.