Care and maintenance
Wood is a natural substance, part of the Earth's living system. It reacts to extreme environmental changes. The finish which covers it acts as a sealer. It's tough but still vulnerable to sunlight, heat, humidity, liquids and abrasives, much as the human skin is sensitive to environmental hazards. The following steps will help you preserve the beauty of Lee Weitzman Furniture's famous finishes. To avoid potential damage, we recommend the following:

• Utilize pads, trivets, and coasters to protect your furniture surface. Felt dots applied to the bottom of vases, bowls, sculpture or other objects will also protect the wood finish.
• Avoid sliding objects across the surface. Even if the object seems soft, dust may be trapped underneath and scratch the finish.
• Spills should be wiped away promptly to avoid damage to the finish. Prevent liquid damage by using coasters and saucers beneath potted plants.
• Avoid localized heat damage from hot coffee pots, casseroles, or irons placed directly on the finished surface.
• Keep the furniture finish protected from the sun's damaging rays by arranging out of direct sunlight. Draw shades, blinds, draperies, or curtains during peak hours. Lamps and accessories should be periodically rearranged to prevent spot bleaching. Rearranging or rotating the furniture itself will further prevent bleaching on one side.
• Wood naturally expands and contracts as temperature and humidity rises and falls. Avoid placing the furniture near heat/AC vents, humidifiers, fireplaces, or near open windows allowing cold winds or rain in.

Cleaning (all finishes)
Care of our products is really quite simple and requires very little maintenance. For frequent cleaning of the wood surfaces, simply spray a small amount of water, glass cleaner or mild solution of Murphy's Oil Soap* and water on a soft rag and wipe the surface. This will remove both dust and finger oils. Take caution not to rub dust into the surface, as dust has an abrasive quality that can scratch the finish. Always wipe with the direction of the wood grain whenever possible.

* A mild solution would be a ratio of 1:65, or about 1T Murphy's to 1 liter water

Full Filled Finishes
All the pieces created in our studios are newly crafted works. This high build finish requires time to cure before attaining its permanently hardened state. Although ready to own, transport, and show, the total curing process lasts approximately six weeks. As a result, we recommend minimal surface usage during the first six weeks of ownership. During this period, refrain from placing objects, such as a vase or piece of sculpture, even with felt dots, on the surface of your furniture. Regular cleaning and dusting can and should be performed during this period to prevent dust buildup.

Full Filled Satin or Semi-Gloss
Satin or semi-gloss finishes should be treated delicately to maintain the best appearance over the longest possible time. Take special care not to rub or "buff" the surface excessively in any small area. The result may create shiny spots that would be inconsistent with the lower sheen of the satin or semi-gloss finish. Use a light hand when cleaning or dusting, using a soft damp cloth or feather duster.

Full Filled High Gloss
Over time, as fine scratches develop resulting from normal wear, you can hand buff the surface of high gloss finishes with a special polish. We recommend Novus #2 or Macguire's #7**. Simply dab a small amount on a soft cloth and rub into the finish with a circular motion. Do not use these products on semi-gloss or satin finishes. We urge minimal usage of these polishes, due to the tendency for compounds to collect in the joinery, for example, between tabletop and legs, or around an inlay. If this does occur the compound can be removed with a cloth wrapped around a pointed implement such as a pin or fingernail.

Metal Leaf
Our metal leaf finishes are protected with the same coating that seals our wood surfaces. Care and maintenance of these areas remains the same: clean and dust frequently with a dampened soft cloth. Should severe scratching or other damage occur, please consult a refinishing expert in your area.

** Novus and Macguires polishes can be found at auto supply stores. Contact LWF if you need assistance locating them.