Caring for High-Gloss and Painted Furniture

All OKA painted and high gloss furniture is made from wood, please see the notes on natural wood in the caring for wooden furniture section.

General maintenance instructions

To help prolong the life of your high gloss furniture, we advise the following:

Cleaning

• For more thorough cleaning, occasionally wipe your furniture with a soft cloth that has been dampened with a mild detergent solution. Surfaces should be thoroughly dried with a lint-free cloth to prevent watermarks.
• Under no circumstances should solvent cleaning agents (such as nitro-based thinners, acetone, nail polish remover or similar products) be used on or near a high gloss surface as this will leave streaky marks that cannot be removed.
• The repeated use of a silicone-based polish is not recommended as this will lead to the build-up of a silicone film, which will alter the appearance of the piece.
• Some furniture polishes are unsuitable for use on painted and high gloss surfaces and can degrade the paint. Always ensure that polishes are suitable for end use.
• Never use abrasive cleaning agents or cloths (e.g. linen cloths, paper towels etc.) on high gloss surfaces as these will scratch.
• Glass or mirrored panels should be cleaned using a non-solvent based glass cleaner and a soft cloth, carefully avoiding contact with wooden or painted sections.

Care

• Hot items should never be placed directly onto painted or high gloss surfaces as this can cause irreparable damage. Electrical items (for example, a television) used on painted or high gloss surfaces for prolonged periods can cause scorching.
• If your wooden furniture has an oiled finish, you will need to polish it with linseed oil every three to four months. Make sure you safely dispose of the cloths used.
• Wooden products change colour with exposure to both natural and artificial light. Rotate any ornaments to avoid patches of colour where an object has stood. Leave dining tables fully extended where possible, or expose the leaves to light so that there are no obvious colour differences between them and the rest of the table
• Sharp objects, such as cutlery and pens, can score the surface of your furniture, as can crockery being dragged across the top.
• Leaning backwards on two legs of a chair will weaken its joints.
• Wooden furniture is not waterproof, heat resistant or immune to chemicals. Do not put hot dishes or cups on any surface, always use an insulated placemat for protection. Don’t use a protective cover containing rubber derivatives – it could react with the finish.
• Spills should be removed immediately using a clean cloth.
• Furniture should be regularly dusted with a soft cotton or micro-fibre cloth.
• If your furniture becomes stained, scratched or chipped, or suffers other damage, we recommend professional help is sought to restore it.