Furniture Care
Bamboo Furniture Care Instructions
Maintaining your bamboo furniture is simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these instructions to keep your piece looking beautiful for years to come.
Daily Care:
- Clean with warm water and a soft cloth.
- Avoid using soap to prevent the natural oils in the bamboo from wearing away.
- Over time, apply a coat of natural oil to refresh the surface and preserve its finish.
Which Oil Should I Use?
Over time, the natural oil finish will gradually wear, but with proper care, it can last 2+ years. When refinishing is needed, we recommend using OSMO oil, the same product used during production. You can find it here:
- Canada: Osmo Store Canada
- USA: Osmo Store USA
Osmo Products We Use:
- Natural Finish: 3031 Osmo Polyx Oil Matte
- Chestnut Finish: 3031 Osmo Polyx Oil Matte (pre-colored bamboo requires a clear coat)
- Walnut Finish: 3161 Ebony Osmo Wood Wax Finish (one coat)
- Tiger Finish: 3031 Osmo Polyx Oil Matte (pre-colored bamboo requires a clear coat)
Alternative Oils:
If OSMO oil is difficult to source, consider using:
- Mineral oil
- Furniture beeswax oil
- Hemp oil
These alternatives have minimal scent and can be easily applied with a cloth. While other oils may also work, be cautious about fumes and specific application requirements. Contact us for additional recommendations.
Oil Re-Application Process
Refreshing your bamboo furniture with oil is straightforward. Follow these steps for the best results:
Preparation:
- Ensure the surface is clean and dry.
- If you'd like to improve the finish, lightly sand the surface beforehand. Renting an orbital sander can make this quick and easy—about 2 minutes of sanding should suffice.
- You won’t need toxic stripping agents or special gear. A basic dust mask/face cloth and 150 grit sandpaper will work well.
Repair Instructions:
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Clean the Surface:
- Wipe the table with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Let it dry completely.
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Sanding:
- Important: Always sand with the grain of the bamboo, never against it.
- Use 150 grit sandpaper to gently sand either the affected area (scratches, marks) or sand the entire strip where the damage is located. Sanding the whole strip can help the repaired area blend in more naturally.
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Fine Sanding:
- After using the 150 grit sandpaper, gently sand the same area with 220 grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.
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Clean the Sanded Area:
- Wipe the area with a dry rag to remove dust.
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Apply Finishing Oil:
- Generously apply the finishing oil to the sanded area using one of the provided rags.
- Let the oil sit for 1-3 minutes to allow absorption.
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Remove Excess Oil:
- Use a clean rag to wipe off any excess oil, following the grain of the wood, until the surface feels dry.
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Drying Time:
- Let the surface dry for at least 8 hours.
- After drying, wipe the surface with a damp rag to finish.
With these simple steps, your bamboo furniture will stay fresh and beautiful for years to come!